Coral Larval Technician

The Coral Restoration Ecology Lab at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), led by Dr. Robin Smith, is seeking a Lead Technician for a 3-year project (with possible extension) focused on Large-Scale USVI Coral Restoration using Selective Breeding and Assisted Evolution Technologies. The Technician will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Smith, and assist with nearly every component of the project, including, but not limited to coral spawning, fertilization, settlement, larval rearing, data collection, thermal and disease transmission experimentation, training UVI intern divers, outplanting and monitoring. The Lead Technician is considered key personnel and critical to the successful execution of this project.

In year 1, the Technician will play a lead role in helping construct a state-of-the-art Larval Rearing Unit (LRU) using a 40’ ISBU shipping container. The LRU will have the capacity to rear 13,500 coral larvae completely independent of one another at different temperatures, PAR, alkalinity, and feeding regimes. In years 2 & 3 (and beyond), the Technician will supervise and manage the daily operations of the LRU. 

Candidates should have a high level of mechanical skills, preferably in the fabrication and operations of large aquaria and/or aquaculture facilities, as well as a background in aquatic animal husbandry. Husbandry experience of larval life-history stages, coral propagation, or both is preferred. Candidates should also be SCUBA certified and proficient in scientific diving (i.e. night spawning collection dives, working with tools and epoxy underwater, etc.).

The Lead Technician will be responsible for:

1.)   Helping to construct the LRU, including ordering equipment and supplies.

2.)   Managing operations of the LRU.

3.)   Training and supervising graduate research assistants and interns tasked with LRU maintenance.

4.)   Collecting and supervising the collection of larval-rearing data.

5.)   Helping plan and participate in fieldwork (i.e. spawning dives, diving to outplant corals, and/or monitoring of outplants). 

This is a 3-year (possible extension), full-time employee position at UVI (St. Thomas campus) renumerated at $44,000/year. Candidates must already be cleared to work in the U.S.A. The position is available immediately and preference will be given to applicants with the ability to start quickly.   

To apply, go to https://careers.uvi.edu/postings/6016 and include your CV or Resume and cover letter highlighting your expertise and interest in the project and responsibilities described above.  

For questions, please contact Dr. Robin Smith at robin.smith@uvi.edu including “Coral Larval Technician” in the Subject line.