Blue World Research Institute (BWRI)
BRIEF POSITION DESCRIPTION:The research scientist will use acoustic telemetry to help assess the possible impacts of offshore wind energy infrastructure construction on the movements and habitat use of highly migratory fish species.
Salary: Up to $65,000.00 depending on experience, renewable based on performance and availability of funding, annually for up to 2 years. This position is grant-funded.
Anticipated start date: Summer 2024, apply by May 17th to ensure full consideration.
Location: Fieldwork including deploying tags and receivers and downloading data from receivers will take place in the waters of the Northeast U.S., with a focus on the Gulf of Maine Outer Continental Shelf and with special emphasis on offshore wind areas. Data analysis and writeup can be performed remotely.
Tasks: The research scientist will work as part of a research team administered through the Blue World Research Institute.Tasks will include:
- Deploying, maintaining, and regularly downloading data from an offshore acoustic telemetry array;
- Deploying tags (satellite, fine-scale movement IMU, acoustic telemetry via external attachment or internal surgical placement) on a variety of highly migratory fish species including elasmobranchs and large finfish;
- Operating a small boat in offshore conditions, working with partners in the recreational fishing industry, academia, and government;
- Leading a small team of field research collaborators including providing some training;
- Assisting the research team with data analysis and figure preparation, which will be used in government reports, peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, scientific conferences, government meetings, and public outreach;
- Other duties as assigned.
Required experience, degrees, and licenses: Bachelors of Science
Other requirements:
- At least 2 (2) years of experience using acoustic telemetry to study fishes, downloading and maintaining acoustic telemetry equipment, and analyzing acoustic telemetry data.
- Experience working on a variety of vessel types in offshore conditions (up to 65 nm offshore)
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, nights, and weekends during sampling seasons.
- Be able to routinely lift up to 25 pounds and sometimes up to 50 pounds
Preferred qualifications:
- An advanced degree in marine biology or a related field (extensive experience with telemetry research can serve as a substitute for an advanced degree
- Experience leading field research expeditions
- Experience with a variety of techniques to catch and sample fishes
- Experience with surgical techniques for implanting acoustic transmitters in fishes
- Experience with database management
- Experience writing and co-writing manuscripts for peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Other benefits:
- Coauthorship on publications resulting from data you helped gather
- Travel support to present findings at a scientific conference
- Meet leaders of a multi-agency team working on one of the most pressing issues in ocean conservation and management
To apply:
Please send a CV and cover letter expressing your interest, as well as contact information for 2-3 professional references. Interviews will begin on a rolling basis. Send materials to jobs@bwri.org with the subject line “Apex Project Field Scientist Application’.
Additional information: Blue World Research Institute is interested in learning about how the construction and use of offshore wind energy infrastructure will impact surrounding ecosystems, the fisheries that depend on them, and the migratory species that pass through them. This is a large and multi-faceted project. This position will help us to gather data on how highly migratory species use habitats of interest before and during the start of, offshore wind energy infrastructure construction.
To apply for this job email your details to jobs@bwri.org