Research Associate, SCCF Marine Laboratory

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and caring for Southwest Florida’s ecosystems. The SCCF Marine Laboratory, a member of the Southern Association of Marine Laboratories (SAML), has a staff of six resident scientists.

SCCF is seeking a committed early- to mid-career science professional for a Research Associate position. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Required

• Master’s degree (M.S.) with at least two years of experience in marine, estuarine, environmental science, or environmental engineering (with a focus on water resources)

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with fieldwork and vessel operation, including small boats (up to 22’) and trailering/launching
• Certified SCUBA diver (advanced or scientific diving experience preferred)
• Coursework in environmental science, marine science, biology, or related fields
• Experience writing research proposals, technical reports, and presenting scientific results
• Proficiency with PC-based software, including Excel, Access, PowerPoint, ArcGIS, and SigmaPlot
• Experience with ArcGIS, MATLAB, R, or other statistical software preferred
• Ability to develop and follow detailed protocols and established QA/QC procedures
• Valid Florida driver’s license (or ability to obtain)
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, swim, snorkel, and conduct fieldwork under challenging conditions
• Must be able to pass a background check and pre-employement drug test
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Job Functions

• Direct day-to-day operations of one or more laboratory research projects or programs
• Conduct and support research and monitoring of local estuarine habitats, including seagrass, oyster reefs, and mangrove shorelines
• Develop research related to habitat function, fish and invertebrate life history, and impacts of marine heatwaves and other disturbances
• Investigate water quality dynamics, including relationships among flow, nutrient loading, and habitat function in regional systems such as Charlotte Harbor, the Caloosahatchee River, Pine Island Sound, and San Carlos Bay

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead grant proposal development and research projects, including planning, field sampling, data analysis, and reporting
• Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and funding agency deliverables
• Conduct data entry, database management, GIS analysis, and statistical analysis
• Produce figures, summaries, and reports as required
• Identify marine plants, macroalgae, fish, and invertebrates using dichotomous keys
• Communicate scientific findings to both technical and general audiences through presentations and written summaries
• Lead field sampling efforts for seagrass, water quality, and related research
• Support daily operations of the Marine Laboratory under the direction of the Lab Director
• Supervise interns, technicians, or temporary grant-funded staff as needed
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: $51,500 annually
• Benefits include health insurance, 401(k) match, and generous paid leave

Application Instructions

Please submit the following:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume or CV
3. Complete Google Forms questionnaire at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/SCCF-ML-Application

Applications should be submitted via Trinet with the required Google Form also being fill out. 

Start Date: August 1st 2026