Research Scientist I

Boston, NH - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 65000 - 74600

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

We seek a Research Scientist to join and grow with the long-standing right whale research team as part of the Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program. This scientist will oversee the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium (NARWC) Sightings & Effort Database (SED) which contains sightings and effort data for right whales and other marine species collected along the east coast of the US and Canada. They will lead the migration of the SED to NEAq then oversee all database operations including facilitating data submission quality control storage and data access. They will undertake database improvement projects as needed. Finally this scientist will lead independent research projects that advance conservation outcomes for marine species.

This is a full-time (35 hours per week) grant-funded position with one year of funding and the possibility for extension. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package. Work will be conducted primarily remotely with occasional in-person meetings. Work hours are flexible with remote meetings occurring between 9 am 5pm EST Monday Friday. A laptop will be provided but an adequate workspace and high-speed internet connection are required as well as residence in one of the following states: MA RI NH ME NY or VT.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Lead the curation of the SED including:
1. Establish the SED at NEAq
2. Provide community guidelines on best practices for data collection
3. Facilitate data submission
4. Develop and manage new and existing quality control and error checking systems on submitted data
5. Oversee entry of quality-controlled data into the database
6. Serve on the Board of the NARWC as a representative of the SED. Participate in the evaluation of data requests to the NARWC
7. Develop new systems to establish and maintain strong links between the SED WhaleMap and the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog
8. Fulfill approved data requests
9. Satisfy all contractual obligations and reporting requirements in a thorough and timely manner
Develop and lead database improvement projects.
Develop and lead additional self-directed research projects.
Seek and manage funds to support the NARWC SED program including:
1. Core funding to support your salary and maintain and improve the SED
2. Additional funding for self-directed research projects
Develop and strengthen relationships between NEAq departments to enhance our collective scientific goals and mission. This includes actively integrating with the Anderson Cabot Center and broader NEAq community.
Represent NEAq at public events and in the media.
Disseminate research activities in various ways including giving presentations at scientific conferences and leading and contributing to scientific publications.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

Extensive experience in collecting and managing marine mammal data defined as having a Ph.D. or Masters degree with an additional three years of relevant experience.
Record of successful collaboration fundraising and publishing.
Experience with SQL and relational database systems
Experience with project management including budgeting tracking and reporting

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Highly collaborative with excellent organizational and communication skills.
Extremely detail-oriented with a passion for achieving the highest standards of database quality consistency and efficiency.
Expert in marine mammal survey methods and associated data.
Proficiency in coding in R Python or a similar language.
Must have a valid drivers license and passport.
A genuine interest in and passion for the important ocean and marine animal conservation mission of the Aquarium.

For more information and to apply online please visit: New England Aquarium is committed to an inclusive workplace culture and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. Here we foster a culture of respect and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet. We believe that an inclusive workforce provides diverse experiences skills and perspectives that enrich our programs strengthen problem-solving add creativity and enhance our workplace culture.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Lead the curation of the SED including:
1. Establish the SED at NEAq
2. Provide community guidelines on best practices for data collection
3. Facilitate data submission
4. Develop and manage new and existing quality control and error checking systems on submitted data
5. Oversee entry of quality-controlled data into the database
6. Serve on the Board of the NARWC as a representative of the SED. Participate in the evaluation of data requests to the NARWC
7. Develop new systems to establish and maintain strong links between the SED WhaleMap and the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog
8. Fulfill approved data requests
9. Satisfy all contractual obligations and reporting requirements in a thorough and timely manner
Develop and lead database improvement projects.
Develop and lead additional self-directed research projects.
Seek and manage funds to support the NARWC SED program including:
1. Core funding to support your salary and maintain and improve the SED
2. Additional funding for self-directed research projects
Develop and strengthen relationships between NEAq departments to enhance our collective scientific goals and mission. This includes actively integrating with the Anderson Cabot Center and broader NEAq community.
Represent NEAq at public events and in the media.
Disseminate research activities in various ways including giving presentations at scientific conferences and leading and contributing to scientific publications.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

Extensive experience in collecting and managing marine mammal data defined as having a Ph.D. or Masters degree with an additional three years of relevant experience.
Record of successful collaboration fundraising and publishing.
Experience with SQL and relational database systems
Experience with project management including budgeting tracking and reporting

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Highly collaborative with excellent organizational and communication skills.
Extremely detail-oriented with a passion for achieving the highest standards of database quality consistency and efficiency.
Expert in marine mammal survey methods and associated data.
Proficiency in coding in R Python or a similar language.
Must have a valid drivers license and passport.
A genuine interest in and passion for the important ocean and marine animal conservation mission of the Aquarium.