Research Scientist II - Catalog Lead

Job Description

The Research Scientist II - Catalog Lead is responsible for leading the long-standing right whale research team as part of the Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program. This scientist will oversee the photo-identification catalog including reviewing scientific objectives, coordinating with software programmers, fund raising, budgeting, and reporting.

This is a full-time, 1-year, grant-funded position with the possibility for extension. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and work may be conducted remotely. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Serve as the scientific lead for the catalog including authoring and co-authoring papers, working with the team to make decisions about how the Catalog data should evolve and develop.

Lead the Catalog team and ensure that they are meeting contractual obligations on time- especially data processed adequately to establish annual population number. Oversee data checking and quality control of the data.

Manage an existing large grant which funds portions of a department of about 10 people, coordinate time budgeting with other grants, and apply for new contracts when existing contracts expire.

Raise additional funds for additional, self-directed projects relating to the Right Whale Catalog.

Oversee the DIGITS software used to process and manage our images and related data. This includes working with programmers to modify software as needed and managing contracts for server maintenance and backup.

Supervise a staff of three to five researchers.

Write and manage contracts for one to three external companies that perform photo-analysis, software modifications, and server maintenance and backup.

Develop and strengthen relationships between NEAq departments to enhance our scientific goals. This includes actively collaborating with the Anderson Cabot Center and broader NEAq community.

Serve as a member of internal and external working groups.

Produce five peer-reviewed publications as lead author or coauthor and serve as a reviewer for at least four manuscripts each three-year period.

Represent NEAq at public events and in the media.

Give presentations at scientific conferences.

Attend frequent Zoom or MS Teams video conferencing meetings. Right whale research team communication and coordination is primarily conducted remotely through these avenues.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

Requires a Masters degree in Marine Sciences, Biology, Fisheries or related field; PhD preferred.

Five years of experience with large whale identification required.

Experience fund raising and publishing required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to manage large projects with multiple staff and large budgets.

Self-motivated and self-directed.

Collaborative with excellent organizational and communication skills.

Programming skills (R and Shiny preferred) for data quality control preferred.

Strong scientific writer (demonstrated publication record).

Excellent data management skills.

Strong analytical and statistical skills.

Proven record of successful fund raising.

Valid driver's license and passport preferred.

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 diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.

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