Research Scientist - Coral Hub

About Us

Since 2018, the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) at The Island School, and Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) have been working together with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), using their unique scientific expertise and connections to develop and disseminate innovative coral restoration through The Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub (BCIH) project. The overall goal of this initiative is to undertake scientific research that improves current coral restoration techniques, while serving as a research facility that hosts a network of integrative people focused on coral conservation and research.

We are seeking a research scientist to join our team based at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, a dedicated hub for research and innovation at The Island School in South Eleuthera, The Bahamas. As part of an organization devoted to research, education, and conservation, CEI seeks to create a connection between people and the environment as a path toward a more sustainable future.

The research scientist will be employed by The Island School and co-managed by the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), ​​a program-based non-profit that focuses on ocean research, conservation and restoration throughout The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Our two organizations have a long history of collaboration across a wide range of conservation, education and citizen science programs to help protect our oceans.

Job Summary

We are looking for a graduate scientist (masters or higher) with experience in coral husbandry, and are particularly interested in candidates with experience of maintaining experimental research aquarium facilities. The ideal candidate would also be an experienced diver, preferably Dive Master (or working towards this level), capable of assisting field-based coral research. The Coral Research Scientist should be capable of developing innovative research projects that align with the aims of the Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub Project, working in collaboration with other members of the team.

Research Scientists are the engines of innovation at CEI, leading research projects that address practical challenges of sustainable development, while engaging students in meaningful work that fulfils our vision of ‘leadership effecting change’. Research Scientists are expected to take initiative, be well-organized and resilient, with a capacity to independently generate novel research questions and build support for their work. You should be comfortable working in challenging field conditions, have a passion for environmental conservation and a love of teaching students of all ages. You must be willing to stretch beyond a traditional job description as you live and work closely with other programs at The Island School, as well as the local community.

Research Scientists work in a team environment with other research staff at CEI and throughout The Island School and report to the Director. You should be excited about working at a non-traditional academic institution that believes in integrating education of every level into applied research.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead an independent research program in coral restoration, including fundraising and developing new collaborations
• Lead the delivery of educational programming on your coral research, including one Island School research class each year.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, purchasing and budget for assigned projects
• Write and publish research papers and technical reports as well as other forms of public dissemination of your work including preparing social media content
• Assist with the recruitment, management and mentoring of junior staff and interns
• Provide logistical support for visiting scientists and graduate students
• Represent the Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub at national and international events
• Collaborate with other researchers from PIMS, CEI, and institutions partnering on research at the Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub

Other Duties

Staff with additional specialist skills that may benefit other parts of the organization will be expected to assist activities in these areas and compensated accordingly, for example:

• Dive professionals (PADI Divemaster/Instructor or equivalent; Free diver Instructor)
• Certified boating, sailing or kayaking instructors
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) or Wilderness Medicine specialists
• Certified school teachers

Additional duties will be tailored to your qualifications/experience and accounted for in your compensation package, based on an assessment by your manager.

Please note that this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties and  responsibilities may change at any time, with the needs of the organization.

Skills and Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Education – Master’s degree (or higher) in biological or environmental science
• Experience – Prior teaching experience, preferably across different age groups
• Communication Skills – Confident in public speaking and verbal presentation of work. Can adapt communication style to different educational audiences. Proficient in scientific and grant writing.
• Analytical Skills – Expertise in experimental design, data analysis and curation
• Boating – Experience with handling small boats, preferably with formal qualification (Bahamas Class B Captain’s License, RYA Level 2 Powerboat or equivalent).
• Adaptability – Able to survive and thrive in a small and tight-knit community located in a remote part of The Bahamas.
• Commitment to Organizational Mission – this position requires commitment to the wider mission and values of The Island School.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Accommodation and utilities
• On-campus meals when dining hall is open
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Dental reimbursement up to $300
• Life insurance
• 10 paid vacation days and 11 paid National holidays
• 7 paid sick days
• Eligibility for matching retirement plan after two years of service
• Professional development opportunities

Schedule

This is a full-time position with annual review.  The Island School operates year round and working hours vary depending on needs but are typically Monday-Friday (40 hours/week), however, evening and weekend work will be required.  Special events will require periods of time outside of normal working hours when staff must be on site for extended periods.  The successful candidate should expect, and desire to work a variable and mission driven schedule.

Application

• Applicants should submit the following in PDF format through our Hiring portal: https://ceis.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=134
• Letter of application that states career interests, why you would like to work for the Cape Eleuthera Institute and your relevant experience and qualifications for the position.
• Current curriculum vitae
• Three references (to include name, address, telephone number and email address) familiar with the applicant's work.

We are collecting applications until the position is filled.

We are a Bahamian equal opportunity employer.