Associate Research Scientist - FWC (Marathon, FL)

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Posting Closing Date: 10/15/2025 

$2,230.77 Biweekly, $58,000 Annually

Minimum Qualifications:

8 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory is required. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and four years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and three years of professional experience as described above; or A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and one year of professional experience as described above can substitute for the required experience.

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to:

  • Applicants with a strong background in data analyses

  • Applicants with at least two (2) peer-reviewed publications, of which at least one (1) is as lead author

  • Applicants who can demonstrate proficiency in statistics and coding in relevant programs (e.g., R, python, etc.)

  • Applicants with a proven record in applying for and obtaining grant funding 

Requirements:

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. 

Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Not eligible for Telework.

Responses to qualifying questions should be verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.  Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.

 

Licensure/registration/certification requirements:

SCUBA certification is required

A valid driver's license is required

 
Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The incumbent will serve as a project lead on spiny lobster, benthic ecology, and fisheries research projects using appropriate experimental designs in the Florida Keys. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Leading and participating in research in field and laboratory research.

  • Collecting data on distribution, abundance, size structure, growth, and other population characteristics and fisheries issues using above water and underwater sampling techniques.

  • Analyze data using advanced statistical techniques to determine statistical significance and population abundance.

  • Prepare reports for fishery managers and other scientists and publish manuscripts suitable for peer reviewed publications and management activities.

  • Seek out and prepare high quality proposals for outside funding agencies. Manage funded projects from various sources (state, grants, and contracts).

  • The employee will prepare reports for fishery managers and other scientists and publish manuscripts suitable for peer reviewed publications and management activities.

  • Establish and maintain close relationships with other SFRL researchers and researchers outside of FWC to ensure the FWC research is relevant to the fishery and ecosystem management needs of the Florida Keys.

  • Additional duties include seeking out and preparing high quality proposals for outside funding agencies, performing other related work as required, assisting in other institute activities as requested, as well as promoting and participating in public outreach efforts.

  • Field work is conducted underwater and will require maintaining FWRI/AAUS diver status and participation in SCUBA and operating vessels.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to design and implement research studies, coordinate and analyze data, and perform statistical analysis.

  • Coordinate work assignments and prepare technical reports and manuscripts.

  • Knowledge in the use of PCs, R, (or a PC advanced statistical package); MS office software.

  • Safely trailer and operate vessels up to 25’ in length.

  • Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, principles and procedures used in personnel & budget administration.

  • Maintain SCUBA certification, a valid driver’s license, and demonstrate the ability to swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in an emergency.

  • Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing and establish and maintain working relationships with others.

  • Deal effectively with the public and supervise people.