Research Assistant

Our research group, based at the Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, focuses on understanding the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, with a specialised emphasis on coral resilience research and restoration. We explore innovative interventions to enhance the adaptive capacity and survivorship of reef-building corals in a changing climate. In addition to our scientific research, our lab leads Coral Academy, a widely recognized education outreach and conservation initiative founded in 2019. Coral Academy bridges the gap between science and the community by engaging students, stakeholders, and the general public in hands-on coral conservation efforts, ranging from coral propagation and nursery maintenance to eco-tours and citizen science programmes. Joining our team means not only advancing cutting-edge coral resilience research but also contributing to a broader mission of environmental stewardship and public education.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Assistant to join our team to work on projects dedicated to coral resilience and restoration. The appointee will play a critical role in conducting advanced laboratory experiments and field studies, with a primary focus on the early life stages of corals.

Applicants should have (i) a Bachelor's or a Master's degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline; (ii) practical experience with one or more of our focal techniques (selective breeding, microbiome/symbiont manipulation, or cryopreservation) is highly preferred; (iii) excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team; (iv) a good command of written and spoken English; and (v) demonstrated hands-on experience in handling and rearing coral early life stages is highly preferred. Previous experience in marine fieldwork and a valid SCUBA diving certification (e.g., PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent) are highly preferred.

The appointee will be responsible for (a) handling, rear, and maintaining coral early life stages (gametes, embryos, larvae, and newly settled recruits) in controlled laboratory settings and field nurseries; (b) providing assistance in designing and implementing coral resilience experiments, which may include: Selective breeding, Microbiome manipulation and algal symbiont manipulation, Cryopreservation of coral biological materials; (c) assisting in planning and conducting marine fieldwork, including SCUBA diving surveys, spawning observations, and sample collection; (d) performing laboratory analyses, managing experimental setups (e.g., temperature/stress experiments), and assisting with data entry and statistical analysis; (e) providing assistance in manage laboratory logistics, equipment maintenance, and procurement; and (f) generating high-impact scientific outputs.

Appointment will be made on contract basis for one year, subject to mutual agreement and excellent performance.

The University only accepts and considers applications submitted online for the post above via the CUHK career site. For more information and to apply online, please visit http://career.cuhk.edu.hk.