Research Scientist - Aquaculture Technician

About Us

The Island School is a not-for-profit organization founded to create and support transformational educational experiences with the vision of leadership effecting change, on the island of Eleuthera. The diverse educational initiatives, including our Island School Semester and Summer Term, our Deep Creek Middle School, our Elementary Learning Center, and our Community Engagement and Partnerships, deliver unique educational journeys in partnership with the authentic and meaningful work our organization undertakes in research, sustainable development and innovation at the Cape Eleuthera Institute.  

The Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) is the hub for 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 Island School’s Cape Eleuthera Institute is internationally recognized for its environmental research and education programmes, facilitated by outstanding access to a range of tropical habitats. 

Job Summary

We are looking for an aquaculture scientist to implement a three-year funded project to establish a spiny lobster (crawfish) nursery facility at the Island School’s Cape Eleuthera Institute. The primary objective will be to develop and optimise grow-out systems for Caribbean spiny lobster post-larvae. This role will also involve working closely with local community members from the fishing and artisan sectors to design and deploy seed stock collectors, as well as collaborators from other islands in The Bahamas to deliver the objectives of this project. In keeping with the mission and values of The Island School, this project will also seek to engage students in research on lobster aquaculture.

Our Research Scientists are the engines of innovation at The Island School, leading projects that address practical challenges of sustainable development, while engaging students in meaningful work that fulfils our vision of ‘leadership effecting change’.

Research Scientists are expected to take initiative, be well-organized and resilient, with a capacity to independently generate novel research questions and build support for their work. You should be comfortable working in challenging field conditions, have a passion for environmental conservation and a love of teaching students of all ages. You must be willing to stretch beyond a traditional job description as you live and work closely with other programs at The Island School, as well as the local community. 

Research Scientists work in a team environment with other research staff at CEI and educators throughout The Island School and report to the Director. You should be excited about working at a non-traditional academic institution that believes in integrating education of every level into applied research.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead a program of research and development of lobster aquaculture, including developing effective working relationships with local community collaborators


• Lead the delivery of educational programming in aquaculture, including an Island School research class each semester


• Oversee equipment maintenance, purchasing and budget for lobster nursery facility and seed stock collectors


• Write and publish research papers or technical reports as well as other forms of public dissemination of your work, including preparing social media content


• Assist with the recruitment, management and mentoring of junior staff and interns


• Provide logistical support for visiting scientists and graduate students


• Represent the organisation at national and international events

Other Duties

Staff with additional specialist skills that may benefit other parts of the organization will be expected to assist activities in these areas and compensated accordingly, for example:

• Dive professionals (PADI Divemaster/Instructor or equivalent; Freediver Instructor)


• Certified boating, sailing or kayaking instructors


• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) or Wilderness Medicine specialists


• Certified school teachers

Additional duties will be tailored to your qualifications/experience and accounted for in your compensation package, based on an assessment by your manager. 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.

Skills and Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Education – Bachelor's degree (preferably Masters) in biological or environmental science or aquaculture related discipline


• Research Experience - Track record of working in aquaculture or lab-based culture of aquatic organisms including nursery/ hatchery operations


• Teaching Experience – Prior teaching experience, preferably across different age groups


• Communication Skills – Confident in public speaking and verbal presentation of work. Can adapt communication style to different educational audiences. Proficient in scientific and grant writing.


• Analytical Skills – Expertise in experimental design, data analysis and curation


• Adaptability – Able to survive and thrive in a small and tight-knit community located in a remote part of The Bahamas.


• Commitment to Organizational Mission – this position requires commitment to the wider mission and values of The Island School.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience


• Accommodation and utilities, with on-campus meals in our dining hall 


• Comprehensive medical insurance 


• Life insurance 


• 26 days of paid leave


• Eligibility for matching retirement plan after two years of service


• Professional development opportunities

Schedule

This is a fixed-term (3 year duration) full-time position, with annual review. The Island School operates year round and working hours vary depending on needs but are typically Monday-Friday (40 hours/week), however, evening and weekend work will be required.  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.

Application

Applicants should submit electronically in PDF format to the email address below:

• Letter of application that states career interests, why you would like to work for the Cape Eleuthera Institute at The Island School and your relevant experience and qualifications for the position.


• Current curriculum vitae.


• Three references (to include name, address, telephone number and email address) familiar with the applicant's work.

We are collecting applications until the position is filled. We are a Bahamian equal opportunity employer and preference will be given to suitably qualified Bahamians.