We have two openings for field assistants to join a funded coral reef fish field project on Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia this coming February and March. Travel and accommodations are included, and you'll get to work with an understudied group of reef fishes on an exciting project! Posting is copied below, feel free to reach out to m.neill@utexas.edu with any questions.
--------------------------
The project "Physiology, Life History, and the Pace of Life: Understanding
the Role of Cryptobenthic Fishes in Coral Reef Ecosystems" is looking for
two volunteer field assistants with the following qualifications:
•Current Passing Dive Medical Evaluation (April 2024 or more recent)
•Current First Aid Certification
•Current Advanced Resuscitation Certification
•At least 60 hours of logged SCUBA dives. The station will likely ask to
see your logbook.
•A MERL-Recognized Diving Credential (ADAS Restricted Scientific Diver
OR Recreational
qualification equivalent to ISO 24801-3. Examples include PADI Divemaster,
SSI Dive Guide, NAUI Assistant Instructor, NASE Divemaster, IDEA Europe
Divemaster, etc.
•Australian Driver’s License (Manual)
•Ability to travel to Exmouth without needing to obtain an Australian visa
Successful applicants will work at the Minderoo Exmouth Research Lab (MERL)
in Exmouth, WA alongside a PhD student from the University of Texas, USA.
Expectations:
•Successful applicants will stay at MERL for the full duration of the
project and will assist in all research components, including cryptobenthic
reef fish collections via SCUBA, fish identification and sample processing,
basic aquarium work and fish care, oxygen consumption measurements using
respirometry, and possibly otolith extraction and polishing.
•Safe, conservative diving activity on all dives, including adhering to the
dive plan and not exceeding specified depth and time limits.
•A positive, respectful, collegial attitude and a willingness to help other
members of the research team with whatever tasks come up.
•Patience and flexibility, as fieldwork plans can change suddenly.
•Bring your own dive equipment, including fins, wetsuit, dive computer,
BCD, regulator, mask, and gloves. Tanks and weights will be provided.
What you can expect:
•Project funds will cover your transportation to and from Exmouth and your
food and housing costs while at the station.
•Significant scientific dive experience, totaling at least 30 dives.
•Experience with cryptobenthic reef fish collection and identification.
•Live fish care experience in a regulated scientific setting.
•Experience with intermittent-flow respirometry, an important technical
skill for studying fish physiology and energetics.
•Commensurate with your contribution to the project, the opportunity to
co-author a peer-reviewed paper based on the work conducted.
*Trip Dates: Feb. 18th - Mar. 27th, 2025*
*Application Deadline: Oct. 10th, 2024*
*How to Apply:*
•1-page cover letter detailing your qualifications, relevant experience,
and motivation for joining the project
•CV/Resume
Send documents to m.neill@utexas.edu by 12:00 pm AEST on October 10th, 2024.
Zoom interviews with qualified applicants will be conducted in October.
Mel Neill
He/Him
PhD Student, Brandl Lab
University of Texas Marine Science Institute
