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Live In Coral Reef Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do live in coral reef biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for live in coral reef biologist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by live-in coral reef biologists, and how are these addressed on-site?

Live-in coral reef biologists often face challenges such as remote or isolated living conditions, unpredictable weather, and the physical demands of daily diving or snorkeling. These are typically addressed through thorough pre-deployment training, strong on-site safety protocols, and regular communication with a broader scientific team. Many sites have established routines for equipment maintenance, data management, and emergency procedures to ensure both research continuity and personal well-being. Collaboration and teamwork among the biologists and local staff are essential to overcoming these challenges and maintaining a productive work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Live In Coral Reef Biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live In Coral Reef Biologist, you need a solid background in marine biology or ecology, often with an advanced degree and experience in underwater research methods. Proficiency in scuba diving (with certification), underwater survey tools, GIS mapping software, and data analysis programs is typically required. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration skills are essential for working in challenging field conditions and coordinating with diverse teams. These competencies ensure accurate research, effective conservation efforts, and the ability to respond to environmental changes impacting coral reef ecosystems.

What are live-in coral reef biologists?

Live-in coral reef biologists are scientists who reside at or near coral reef locations to study these complex marine ecosystems. Their work involves monitoring coral health, collecting data on marine species, assessing environmental changes, and often participating in reef restoration projects. Living onsite allows them to conduct long-term research and respond quickly to changes or threats affecting the reef. These biologists may also work with local communities to promote conservation and sustainable practices.
What cities are hiring for Live In Coral Reef Biologist jobs? Cities with the most Live In Coral Reef Biologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Coral Reef Biologist jobs? The most popular types of Coral Reef Biologist jobs are:
What states have the most Live In Coral Reef Biologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Live In Coral Reef Biologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Live In Coral Reef Biologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 64% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.
Sr. Research Associate - Coral Reproduction

Sr. Research Associate - Coral Reproduction

The University of Miami

Miami, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


University Of Miami rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

254th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees:
If you are a current Staff, Faculty or Temporary employee at the University of Miami, please click here to log in to Workday to use the internal application process. To learn how to apply for a faculty or staff position, please review this tip sheet.
The Coral Reef Futures Lab at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science at the University of Miami is a leading research group focused on coral reef science and restoration. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to lead coral reproduction activities within a growing, land-based coral facility and to support a dynamic portfolio of research and restoration projects. This role combines scientific leadership, experimental design, and program management, with direct responsibility for staff supervision and mentorship across multiple ongoing initiatives in coral reproduction and early life history.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead coral spawning and reproduction efforts at the lab's land-based facility, including coordination of spawning events, fertilization, larval rearing, settlement, and post-settlement survival.
  • Coordinate spawning and reproduction activities with multiple institutional partners and collaborators.
  • Directly manage at least two Research Associates, including day-to-day oversight, training, and performance support.
  • Work closely with graduate students, postdocs, and other team members on experimental design, data collection, and analysis related to coral reproduction, larval biology, and early life history.
  • Advance and refine methods for larval propagation, recruitment, and juvenile propagation to support scalable coral restoration outcomes.
  • Mentor undergraduate and Master of Professional Science (MPS) students conducting independent research projects within the lab.
  • Contribute to, and for senior hires potentially lead, manuscript preparation, grant writing, and collaborative proposals that support the lab's research and restoration portfolio.
  • Help maintain and optimize the lab's facilities and infrastructure, including indoor and outdoor propagation tanks, controlled spawning systems, and associated experimental setups.
  • Support safe and effective field and facility operations, including participation in nighttime spawning events and work in outdoor environments that can be seasonally hot and humid.

Qualifications
Required
  • Master's degree in marine biology, marine ecology, coral biology, or a closely related field.
  • At least 5 years of experience in coral biology or closely related research, with significant hands-on experience in coral reproduction or larval propagation.
  • Demonstrated experience designing and implementing experimental studies, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
  • Prior experience managing personnel or supervising research staff, with strong organizational and team management skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with staff, students, and external partners.
  • Documented record of scientific productivity (peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, or equivalent).

Preferred
  • AAUS scientific diving certification.
  • Ph.D. degree in coral biology or a related field.
  • Experience working in or collaborating with land-based coral nurseries or restoration facilities.
  • Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
Desired Attributes
  • Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple projects and priorities.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of scientists, students, and restoration practitioners.
  • Comfort working in outdoor facilities and at non-traditional hours, including nighttime spawning events when required.
  • Commitment to training and supporting emerging scientists and early-career team members.
  • Interest in translating reproductive biology and early life history research into applied restoration solutions at scale.

CORE JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Research Associate 1, MAS provides laboratory-based support for the University's research activities by tackling the more specialized and complex projects and experiments. Additionally, the incumbent leverages his/her expertise in training and mentoring department staff, students, and less experienced research associates.
CORE JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Collects, analyzes, and presents research data.
2. Monitors and maintains relevant research databases to ensure accurate data entries.
3. Understands and interprets research protocols and procedures.
4. Participates in the publication of significant results to include authorship of scientific monographs.
5. Advances expertise through continued education, training, and research.
6. Maintains current knowledge of relevant developments in the field.
7. Ensures all research is undertaken according to good research practice.
8. Warrants that department activities comply with applicable guidelines and regulations.
9. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.
CORE QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Master's degree in relevant field required
Experience:
No previous experience required
Certification and Licensing:
Refer to department description for applicable certification requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
  • Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
  • Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
  • Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

This is a core job profile description and is not reflective of all duties that may be assigned to a specific position in each individual department. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and primary responsibilities of this core job profile. Specific duties and tasks may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.
The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation's premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.
With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.
We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.
The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.
Job Status:
Full time
Employee Type:
Staff

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About University of Miami

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The University of Miami, located in the beautiful Coral Gables, Florida, is a comprehensive, private research institution in the United States. Operating within the higher education industry, the institution offers a multitude of degree programs spanning over 180 majors and program through its 12 colleges. The University was founded in 1925 with the mission to disseminate knowledge, transform lives, and change the world - a mission it has held faithfully to this day. Notably, the University of Miami has gained global recognition for its commitment to research and innovation, with over $324 million in research and sponsored project funding awarded annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Coral Gables, FL, US

Year founded

1925