Keys Marine Laboratory

08/14/2026

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08/14/2026

Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) is hiring a Sr. Biological Scientist!

https://jobs.usf.edu/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/USF/jobs?keyword=44167&mode=location

University of South Florida Florida Institute of Oceanography

08/12/2026

Dr. Cindy Lewis, Director of Keys Marine Laboratory (KML), was recently featured in the Washington Post!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/08/09/scientists-race-save-floridas-coral-reef-el-nio-heats-ocean/

University of South Florida Florida Institute of Oceanography

08/06/2026

Dr. Cindy Lewis, Director of Keys Marine Laboratory (KML), was recently featured on The Weather Channel to discuss the current status of Florida's coral reefs and the projected impact of this year's El Niño event on coral bleaching.

Florida Institute of Oceanography University of South Florida

08/04/2026

Great Article highlighting work at Keys Marine Laboratory! Thank you WUSF Public Media
Florida Institute of Oceanography USF St. Petersburg

The Keys Marine Lab was expanded by the state after historic coral bleaching in 2023.

It continues to rescue corals that are increasingly threatened by heat and warming waters.

Read - and see more pics - here: https://www.wusf.org/environment/2026-07-31/tour-usfs-keys-marine-lab-which-expanded-capacity-for-rescued-corals-after-extreme-heat

07/21/2026

A big thank you to Upper Keys Rotary Club for having Dr. Cindy Lewis, Director of Keys Marine Laboratory (KML), as the speaker at your luncheon today!

Florida Institute of Oceanography University of South Florida

07/13/2026

Exciting Field Work with Dr. Stephen Wood and Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) Students!

Recently, Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Stephen Wood, a professor from the Florida Institute of Technology, along with his Marine Field Projects class. Twenty-two senior ocean engineering students spent an immersive week in the Middle Keys, engaging in hands-on activities like snorkeling, diving, and deploying instruments to study the benthic environment.

Dr. Wood shared his expertise in designing and operating autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicles, guiding students through the challenges of field work and inspiring the next generation of ocean engineers.

Professor, College of Engineering & Science, Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences https://www.fit.edu/faculty-profiles/w/wood-stephen/

Florida Institute of Oceanography University of South Florida

07/08/2026

07/08/2026

As El Niño looms, Florida's coral rescue network is preparing for what comes next

After serving as a refuge for more than 5,000 corals during Florida's historic bleaching crisis, University of South Florida's Florida Keys Marine Laboratory is better prepared for the next one

TAMPA, Fla. (July 8, 2026)— As forecasters warn of an unusually strong El Niño that could drive dangerously warm ocean temperatures across the Florida Keys this summer, the organizations that helped save thousands of corals during the worst bleaching event ever recorded on Florida's Coral Reef say they're entering the season better prepared than ever before.

Researchers at the University of South Florida's Keys Marine Laboratory and their restoration partners have spent the past three years expanding coral refuge capacity, strengthening emergency response plans and identifying the corals most critical to long-term reef recovery -- changes driven directly by the unprecedented marine heatwave that struck in 2023.

"We know what's coming," said Cindy Lewis, who has a doctorate in coral biology and is the director of Keys Marine Laboratory. “And we are all better prepared to face an emergency crisis after our experiences from the 2023 El Niño event.”

Read a version of this story on the USF website: https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/news/2026/usf-keys-marine-lab-prepares-for-historic-el-nino-threat.aspx

If you’d like to support Keys Marine Laboratory’s Coral Restoration efforts, please consider donating here: https://giving.usf.edu/online/gift/f/600057/

Florida Institute of Oceanography

07/07/2026

FIO is hiring a Marine Chief Engineer!

The Marine Chief Engineer’s primary function is to ensure the safe, reliable, compliant, and mission-ready operation of all engineering systems aboard FIO research vessel(s), both in port and at sea. This position serves as the senior engineering representative aboard the vessel and is responsible for routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance of vessel propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, HVAC, plumbing, firefighting, fuel, pneumatic, damage control, potable water, sewage, and auxiliary systems.

In addition to technical repair and maintenance duties, the Marine Chief Engineer is responsible for significant administrative and management functions, including preventive maintenance tracking, engineering logs, equipment records, repair planning, spare parts and inventory control, shipyard work list development, regulatory inspection support, safety compliance, vendor coordination, and training or mentoring assigned engineering personnel.

The position works closely with the Vessel Captain, Marine Operations Manager, Fleet Readiness Manager, Assistant Engineer, deck department, science users, contractors, and shoreside support personnel to ensure FIO vessels are prepared to safely and effectively support research, education, outreach, and marine operations. This position will report directly to the Marine Captain I of their respective vessel on the USF St. Petersburg campus.

Interested or know someone who might be a great fit?
Apply on USF Careers: https://ow.ly/SHl650ZlhFh
Applications close on 7/21/26.