Empleos
Research Assistant
The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership, or Estuario, is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Research Assistant. This contractor will be responsible for compiling existing studies and data to create publications that will serve as educational material. Will be responsible for gathering and ensuring the accuracy of information, and for summarizing findings. Will browse the archives for information, complete the literature review, and compile references that will serve as educational materials. This position will be supervised by the Citizen Science and Education Manager.
The Corporation for the Conservation of the San Juan Bay Estuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates the San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership, or Estuario. Established in 1994, we are the only tropical and non-continental location within the National Estuary Program (NEP) under Section 320 of the Clean Water Act. The Estuario operates as a partnership to restore and conserve the waters and associated ecosystems of the San Juan Bay Estuary and its watershed as a sustainable axis of social and economic development. The partnership is a trusted regional science-based organization, supported by engaged stakeholders. Estuario’s work is guided by a master restoration plan known as the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for the San Juan Bay Estuary.
In November 2021, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to invest in the nation’s infrastructure and resilience. Estuario is using IIJA funding to kickstart a planning process for the Juan Méndez Creek project. The Juan Méndez Creek is an important urban drainage asset located in the San Juan municipality within in a heavily urbanized watershed. The headwater portion drains from the eastern portion of Nuevo Milenio State Forest, and passing through Buen Consejo, Capetillo, the University of Puerto Rico campus, Villa Capri, Dos Pinos, Manuel A. Pérez, Truman, Israel, and finally discharging into the San José Lagoon. During midcentury, the creek was channeled using traditional grey methods (buried pipes and an open concrete channel). The creek’s infrastructure has suffered from a general lack of maintenance and compounding impacts due to collapsing sanitary and pluvial systems.
Today, sections of the creek’s concrete walls and channel floor have significantly deteriorated and, in some areas, collapsed –compromising its hydraulic capacity. During rainfall events, flooding occurs in the low-lying areas, further exacerbated by persistent sanitary discharges that pose serious public health concerns. This project will center on the use of high-impact hybrid infrastructures throughout its planning, design, and implementation phases to increase resilience at diverse scales. The Juan Méndez Creek project aims to become a model for previously channelized water resources in the tropical region.
SCOPE OF WORK
This service provider will be responsible for conducting comprehensive literature review and summarizing findings that will serve as educational material. The gathered data will be analyzed, major findings will be published in a document and shared on different platforms, including Estuario.org, and will be integrated into the educational materials developed for stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
- Identify relevant databases and resources.
- Browse archives for information, complete literature reviews, and compile references.
- Create a database of literature with an annotated bibliography.
- Obtain full-text copies of documents.
- Conduct the literature review on the assigned topics.
- Collect data and analysis to draw conclusions and support research findings.
- Develop a synthesis document that summarizes major findings.
- Identify material useful for educational purposes.
- Collaborate with lecturers, scientists, researchers, students, designer, and/or other resources as needed.
Required Qualifications (Education and Experience):
- Master’s degree in science, social science, public health, planning, or related fields.
- At least three years of experience conducting literature reviews, academic research or data compilation.
- Provide evidence of publication of synthesis work or research work
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex scientific information into clear, accessible written materials.
- Experience compiling bibliographies and managing references (APA, Chicago, or similar citation formats)
- Experience reviewing peer-reviewed literature and technical reports
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to verify data accuracy and cross-check sources
- Ability to effectively access and utilize computerized systems and equipment to complete assigned tasks, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; Adobe Acrobat; and other systems/programs as needed.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Critical thinking and information synthesis
- Data collection and analysis
- Archival research
- Literature review
- Source validation
- Writing for different audiences
- Reference management
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
How to apply:
- Interested candidates should email [email protected] by March 18, 2026. The email must specify in the subject the name of the position, «Research Assistant-IIJA». The following documents must be included:
- Cover Letter: Written in English and directed to Brenda Torres, Executive Director. The cover letter should present at least two concrete examples of similar positions, achievements, and impact, highlighting experience with non-profit organizations, if available.
- Resume/CV: Written in English, including three references.
- Writing sample: Written in Spanish or English. The writing sample must have been completed by the candidate independently (for example: an academic essay, a formal report, an educational material previously developed, or a published paper).
Sources of funding:
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Grant # 4T-96213322-3)
The Corporation for the Conservation of the San Juan Bay Estuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates the San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership. The Corporation for the Conservation of the SJBE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics. MBE/WBE and other certified minorities and small businesses are encouraged to apply.
