Postdoctoral Fellowship in Ray Biology and Conservation Research
(Posted 01/04/2023)

Target Audience: Postdoctoral


Institution: Mote Marine Laboratory

Institutional Web Link: http://mote.org

Description of Internship or Research Opportunity: Position: Mote Marine Laboratory intends to grant a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Ray Biology and Conservation. An applicant’s research focus should be on the ecology of rays and their habitats in Florida and across the Caribbean, such as species habitat utilization, species geographic location, regulatory and fishing technology protection impacts, improving fishing catch and monitoring data, community education/outreach effects, and diversity and population size trends. The incumbent will be tasked with developing a Ray Biology and Conservation Research Program at Mote and growing/developing strategic partnerships to assist in furthering Ray science, educational outreach, and fisheries and habitat management.
Mote Background: Mote is celebrating over 68 years as one of the few remaining independent, non-profit international marine research laboratories. The Mote research enterprise has over 20 diverse research programs, an array of education/outreach programs, and an aquarium featuring working laboratories with more than 100 marine species. Mote currently has more than 40 PhD-level scientists, over 280 staff and approximately 1300 volunteers that are located on its main campus in Sarasota and across six additional campuses/facilities including a state-of-the-art 200 acre marine and freshwater aquaculture research park, a 19,000 square foot International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration in the Florida Keys and work is underway for a new 110,000 square foot Mote Science Education Aquarium.
The Mote scientific expertise is considerable and diverse, and is augmented by approximately 150 non-resident scientists from more than 100 different U.S. and international institutions who are involved in projects at Mote. In addition, more than 70 non-resident scientists from around the world have been appointed as Adjunct Mote Scientists due to their significant level of sustained collaboration with Mote scientists and regular use of Mote facilities to conduct their research.


Funding Source: Other


How to Apply: Application: Recent (2020 and after) PhD graduates are invited to apply. Applicants with a firm expectation of graduation by July 31, 2023 will be considered. This full-time position includes an expected initial annual salary of approximately $60,000, health insurance with family options, and benefits including an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leaves for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. The Postdoctoral Fellow will also have an established researcher assigned to serve as a Mentor and will receive office/laboratory space at the Mote City Island campus in Sarasota, and funds for startup, operations, and travel. The Fellowship will be for a period of three years assuming appropriate annual progress. Exemplary Fellows may be invited to join Mote as a Staff Scientist upon completion of their initial three-year appointment.
Mote envisions significant growth of its Ray Biology and Conservation Research Program as part of the evolution of its current Sarasota campus into an International Marine Science, Technology and Innovation Park, continued expansion of the Mote Aquaculture Research Park, and stand up of satellite campuses/facilities along the Florida coral reef. The position also affords the opportunity for hosting visiting scientists, interactions with scientists from multiple disciplines at Mote, and oversight of student interns and volunteers. Postdoctoral Fellows are selected based on their ability to not only strengthen and diversify the Laboratory’s significant existing research expertise, but also the potential to establish their own innovative research initiatives that address Mote’s Beyond 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan.
Applicants should submit the following:
a. Cover letter addressed to Kevin Claridge, Vice President of Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy, of interest including present employment status
b. Academic transcript of doctoral studies
c. Copy of PhD if achieved or expected graduation date.
d. Curriculum vitae
e. Two-page essay, excluding references and exhibits, describing intended research and mentors.
f. Three representative journal publications, in press or published
g. Names and contact information for three references
Applications should be submitted by selecting “2023 Postdoctoral Fellow, Ray Biology and Conservation” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Review of applications will begin February 10, 2023 and will close when filled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected category. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas at this time. Mote Marine Laboratory is an E-Verify employer. Questions regarding this position may be sent to Kevin Claridge, Vice President of Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy Programs at kclaridge@mote.org.



Application Closing Date: 02/10/2023

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