RESEARCH ASSISTANT, Right Whale Habitat Studies

The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS), a private, non-profit research, conservation, and education organization based in Provincetown, MA, is seeking a full-time Research Assistant for the 2010 winter/spring season (Jan. 4 – approx. May 15) of the Right Whale Habitat Studies Program.  The successful candidate will play an integral role in the rapid assessment and reporting of habitat characteristics that influence right whale distribution in the Cape Cod Bay Critical Habitat.  Primary responsibilities include extensive time at sea conducting zooplankton sampling, extensive microscopic identification and enumeration of zooplankton samples, right whale behavioral studies, and contribution to an educational blog.  Field work will likely occur in harsh winter weather conditions.  Additional duties may involve assisting with field and laboratory operation of a Conductivity-Temperature-Depth profiler (CTD) and Optical Plankton Counter (OPC), and with the downloading and analysis of cruise data.

A relevant 4-year college/university degree (B.A. or B.S.) is required; a master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.  Candidates must be highly motivated and independent, and must have strong attention to detail.   Familiarity with the identification of Gulf of Maine zooplankton species, and experience with Microsoft Access and Excel, GIS software and biological oceanography software/data management techniques are preferred.

This position provides housing and a monthly stipend of approximately $2450.

To learn more about PCCS and the Right Whale Habitat Studies Program, and to read field notes from last year's season, visit www.coastalstudies.org.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume with references to:

Stephanie Richardson

Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies

115 Bradford St.

Provincetown, MA 02657

srichardson@coastalstudies.org

Email applications preferred.  Position open until 15 September 2009.