We seek a highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented Lab Manager/Senior Research Technician to join our multidisciplinary team as part of the Carmichael Lab at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (https://www.disl.edu/who-we-are/rcarmichael/) on Dauphin Island, AL.  Our research focuses on how coastal habitats and species respond to natural and anthropogenic disturbances.  We have a strong interest in bioindicator and sentinel species applications, with projects that range from water quality to shellfish and megafauna, including implications for human health.

The position will be responsible for general lab and project management in support of the various research projects under PI Carmichael. They will work closely with volunteers, interns, students, technicians, post-docs, project partners, and community stakeholders.  Responsibilities may include supply purchasing and some account management; meticulous data and record keeping; maintaining confidential information; grant, report, and scientific writing; volunteer and intern coordination and mentorship; public education and outreach; and support for field and lab-based sample collection and processing.  The selected candidate will display exceptional ability to work independently and as part of a team, often taking a leadership role. 

The position will also be an integral part of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Marine Mammal Research Program and will be responsible for managing the logistics of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Manatee Sighting Network, a citizen-science program focused on understanding manatee distribution and habitat use in the northcentral Gulf of Mexico.  Associated responsibilities include communication with citizen-scientists, sighting report processing, database management, and data analysis, including producing maps and figures to fulfill data requests.  The position will assist with manatee research projects, including telemetry-based tracking of tagged manatees and field observations of sighted, tagged or distressed manatees. The position will provide support for the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network, including some field response for live or dead stranded marine mammals, necropsy, and associated data collection.  Because the Marine Mammal Research Program relies on public reporting, the selected candidate must possess excellent communication skills and will be expected to represent the program in a professional manner at all times.

Essential qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology, marine science, or a similar field
• Research experience including use of databases, data analyses, and data display
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with experience working with the public or involvement with a citizen-science program
• Presentation experience for diverse audiences (e.g., public outreach, scientific meetings)
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
• Experience working with a diverse group of colleagues
• Ability and enthusiastic willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends as needed and carrying an on-call response phone
• Ability and willingness to work in inclement conditions, including extreme heat or cold
• Superior knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite or similar
• Experience with creating maps and managing data in ArcGIS

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of statistics with some experience in R
• Experience with satellite tagging and telemetry
• Experience writing newsletters, white papers, grant proposals or scientific publications
• Experience processing analytical samples
• Boat and trailering experience
• Experience managing, supervising, or mentoring personnel