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Assistant Research Faculty - Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub
The Island School
Deep Creek, VA, USA · Goose Creek, SC, USA
Posted on Mar 14, 2025
About Us
Since 2018, the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) at The Island School, and Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) have been working together with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), to develop and disseminate innovative coral restoration through The Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub (BCIH) project. The BCIH is an innovative marine research lab facility whose staff carry out scientific research to improve coral reef restoration techniques, host a wide range of professionals focused on coral conservation and research across disciplines and nations, and provide hands-on marine science education in South Eleuthera.
We are seeking an Assistant Research Faculty to join our team based at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, the center of research and innovation at The Island School in South Eleuthera, The Bahamas. As part of an organization devoted to research, education, and conservation, CEI seeks to create a connection between people and the environment as a path toward a more sustainable future.
The position will be employed by The Island School and co-managed by the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), a program-based non-profit that focuses on ocean research, conservation and restoration throughout The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Our two organizations have a long history of collaboration across a wide range of conservation, education and citizen science programs to help protect our oceans.
We are looking for a multi-disciplinary Assistant Research Faculty to maintain and grow The Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub. Successful applicants will have general skills in project management, multitasking, mentoring interns and junior staff, and teaching. They will possess some combination of discipline-specific skills in coral husbandry, maintaining experimental research aquarium facilities, assisting with field-based coral reef research (boat driving, diving, in-water monitoring and data collection, nursery maintenance), and teaching field-based marine courses. The ideal candidate would be an experienced SCUBA diver, preferably a Dive Professional, and have their boat captain’s license.
Assistant Research Faculty are expected to take initiative, be well-organized and resilient, high energy and positive, have excellent problem-solving skills, and foster a supportive and professional atmosphere. The ideal candidate is someone comfortable working in challenging field conditions, who has a passion for environmental conservation, and a love of teaching students of all ages. You must be willing to stretch beyond a traditional job setting as you live and work closely with other programs at The Island School, as well as the local community. You will work in a team environment with other research staff at CEI and throughout The Island School. The successful applicant will report to the BCIH Manager and will also engage with the Director of CEI.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee logistics, maintenance, and expansions of the Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub, particularly with respect to the aquarium facilities
- Oversee equipment maintenance, purchasing, and budgeting for assigned projects.
- Carry out in-water coral nursery maintenance while diving, such as algal removal and in-water data collection for long-term studies (training provided on the job if needed)
- Assist with the recruitment, management and mentoring of junior staff and interns
- Provide lab and field logistical support for BCIH scientists, visiting scientists, and graduate students (e.g., aquarium allocation, boat driving, and dive support)
- Lead the delivery of educational programming, including one Island School research class each year.
- Represent the Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub at national and international events
- Collaborate with other researchers from PIMS, CEI, and institutions partnering on research at the Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in biological or environmental science
- Teaching: Prior teaching experience, preferably across different age groups
- Diving: Qualified Dive Professional (PADI preferred) with ability to carry out in-water maintenance and data collection.
- Communication Skills: Confident in public speaking and directing people in field and lab settings to always create safe working conditions. Can adapt communication style to different educational audiences. Maintains a kind and professional working environment
- Boating: Experience with handling small boats and with a formal qualification (Bahamas Class B Captain’s Licence, RYA Level 2 Powerboat or equivalent).
- Adaptability: Able to thrive in a small and tight-knit community located in a remote part of The Bahamas.
- Commitment to Organizational Mission: Maintains a commitment to the wider mission and values of The Island School.
Other Duties Please note that this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with the needs of the organization.
Physical Expectations and Environment
- Working in an aquarium setting with lights, running seawater, plumbing
- Working at a computer in an office environment
- Essential physical requirements include sitting, standing, stooping, and reaching overhead or below shoulder level.
- Physical effort/lifting up to 50 pounds
- Occasionally required to work weekends, nights, or be on-call
- Time spent on small boats
- Temperatures typically range from 17°C to 32°C, and high humidity is common, especially during the summer months.
- Eleuthera is a remote location
- We have limited access to medical facilities, often requiring more than an hour to reach the nearest hospital. You should be in good physical health, able to adapt to the demands of outdoor activities, and capable of managing your own dive gear.
- Field work may involve prolonged sun exposure, and It’s essential to be prepared for the dynamic and sometimes challenging conditions of island living and working
- Base salary
- Off-campus accommodation (and utilities up to $250 per month) covered
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Annual Dental reimbursement up to $300
- Life insurance ($25k policy)
- 26 days of paid leave: 10 vacation days, 11 national holidays and 5 sick days
- Eligibility for matching retirement plan after two years of service
- Professional development opportunities
An additional staff benefit includes access to our on-campus dining hall, which serves 3 meals per day during the week and lunch and dinner on the weekends.
This is a full-time position with an annual review. The Island School operates year around and working hours vary depending on needs, but are typically Monday-Friday (40 hours/week). Evening and weekend work will be required on some occasions. Special events will require periods of time outside of normal working hours when staff must be on site for extended periods. The successful candidate should expect, and desire to work a variable and mission-driven schedule.
- Cover Letter that states career interests, why you would like to work for the Cape Eleuthera Institute, and your relevant experience and qualifications for the position
- Curriculum vitae
- Three references (name, address, telephone number and email address) familiar with the applicants work
Use this link https://ceis.bamboohr.com/hiring/jobs to apply for and upload all documents (PDF format) noted in the job description (typically Resume/CV, Cover letter, References, relevant certifications etc). We are collecting applications until the position is filled. We are a Bahamian equal opportunity employer.