The Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) is a research centre at NTU with a mission to conduct fundamental research on earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and climate change in and around Southeast Asia, towards safer and more sustainable societies. For more information on EOS, please visit http://www.earthobservatory.sg.

EOS invites applications for a Research Fellow to develop a greater understanding of coral reef systems in Southeast Asia, with a specific focus on calcifying and bioeroding cryptofauna.

Human activities have altered coral populations and their environments from those that originally formed reefs. A lack of quantitative data on coral reef functions from the region makes it challenging to predict how reef systems will respond to climate change.

The Research Fellow will be responsible for conducting fieldwork using SCUBA (PADI Rescue Diver qualification desirable) and laboratory analysis to assess coral reef diversity and habitat functioning in both turbid and clear-water reef settings. The successful candidate will be able to independently coordinate and undertake local and overseas field research to produce high-quality datasets. Field activities include benthic ecological surveying, biological and environmental sample collection, water quality measurements, deployment of experimental substrates, and experimental ecological work. The Research Fellow will also have previous experience conducting a variety of laboratory tasks relating to quantifying carbonate production of encrusting coral reef taxa, eDNA, stable isotope analysis (C/N), and micro computed tomography. The candidate must also be willing to learn and develop protocols for novel technologies to map and assess coral reef habitats, such as large-scale underwater photogrammetry. An excellent track record of first-author publications relative to career stage is advantageous.

The successful applicant will be able to engage with a network of international collaborators and will join a research group with members from diverse backgrounds and project interests. The Research Fellow will be able to work alongside group members on complementary topics and provide mentorship to postgraduate and undergraduate students within the group.

The position is under the supervision of Assistant Professor Kyle Morgan and will be for an initial two-year period with the potential for renewal depending on performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality research on coral reef systems with a specific focus on calcifying and bioeroding cryptofauna.
• Lead the collection of key ecological datasets and long-term experiments within Southeast Asia
• Independently manage local and overseas fieldwork logistics and relationships with international collaborators
• Undertake laboratory work relating to relating to quantifying carbonate production of encrusting coral reef taxa, eDNA, stable isotope analysis (C/N), and micro computed tomography
• Be familiar with underwater photogrammetry methods
• Undertake high-level data analysis and prepare manuscripts suitable for journal publication
• Contribute to writing applications for external grant funding
• Provide mentorship to postgraduate and undergraduate students within the research group
• Perform other relevant research tasks assigned by the Principal Investigator

Job Requirements

• PhD in Marine Science, Geography, Biological Sciences, or related field
• Proven experience conducting fieldwork (e.g., collection of ecological data and conducting long-term experimentation)
• Experience conducting tropical marine fieldwork (with preference in coral reef systems) using SCUBA (PADI Rescue Diver qualification desirable)
• Prior laboratory work experience (e.g., quantifying carbonate production of encrusting coral reef taxa, eDNA, stable isotope analysis, and micro computed tomography)
• Advanced understanding of coral reef systems
• Interest and willingness to learn new skills
• Ability to travel overseas, sometimes to remote locations
• Knowledge of Southeast Asia coral reefs (advantageous)

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU