The New England Aquarium (NEAq) is seeking seek an accomplished senior research scientist with a proven record in conservation biology to lead a program focused on understanding the effects of climate change and ocean use on marine species. Individuals in this program have expertise in quantifying ecological patterns and processes in space and time, conducting aerial surveys to collect the data needed to inform/support conservation actions, habitat modeling, risk assessment, and assessing the impacts of climate change. There is room to expand on these focus areas, including through new field work opportunities, data collection methodologies, and the scientific questions addressed. The individual in this role is expected to integrate their own established research program to support conservation goals related to climate change and responsible ocean use. We are open to a broad range of research disciplines and taxonomic focus areas, including ecosystem modeling, marine mammal ecology, species distribution modeling, population modeling, oceanography, climate change, and risk assessment. While nine months of annual salary support will be provided, the individual is expected to lead fundraising efforts for the program and their residual salary, as well as contribute to broader organizational fundraising efforts. It is expected that the person filling this position will primarily work remotely. The employee must live in MA, NY, RI, VT, NH, or ME.

 

The full job announcement can be found at https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/3007937.html. Please contact Jessica Redfern (jredfern@neaq.org) for more information.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Senior Scientist and Program Chair

·         Develop and lead the scientific/strategic direction of a program focused on understanding the effects of climate change and ocean use on marine species, in accordance with broader NEAq strategies, priorities, and targeted outcomes.

·         Conduct primary scientific research related to their areas of expertise.

·         Identify existing or emerging conservation issues and research opportunities where innovative monitoring and analysis approaches can amplify the effectiveness and impact of our conservation science projects and initiatives.

• Serve as a leader and key spokesperson for the program’s research, as well as an ambassador for the NEAq as a whole (both internally and externally) to diversify funding sources and increase research impact.
• Represent the NEAq and its various programs/skillsets regionally, nationally, and internationally by presenting original research at scientific conferences, workshops, and public engagements. Respond to media requests and work closely with the NEAq’s Marketing/Communications as an NEAq spokesperson.

·         Lead grant proposals and philanthropic fundraising efforts for staff salaries and research projects. Contribute to broader NEAq fundraising

• Recruit, supervise, mentor and directly advise staff, including quantitative ecologists and members of the aerial survey team

·         Oversee financial and reporting/funding requirements for contracts and grants.

• Other duties as applicable.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

• Ph.D. required. Post-doctoral training or additional advanced degrees are desirable.
• The candidate must be a highly accomplished scientific researcher with a marine conservation orientation and be a recognized authority in their field.
• 10+ years of relevant research experience, with at least five years leading a lab or program that includes technical staff, early career scientists, and/or graduate students.
• Strong record of publications in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

·         Experience presenting research at scientific conferences and serving as an invited expert on regional, national, and international working groups.

• Proven ability to raise annually significant (6-7 figures) levels of government and private funding to support a large-scale lab/program.
• Strong partnerships with a variety of stakeholders (e.g., with the scientific community, fishing industry, decision makers, regulators, funders, and other key influencers in the field).

 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven leadership skills and abilities to manage/lead a multidisciplinary group of staff and colleagues, including research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, research technicians, graduate students and interns/volunteers.
• Evidence that research outputs have contributed to environmental management/policy measures, processes, and/or regulations.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills are needed to disseminate research findings, write successful research grants, and to serve as an effective ambassador for the NEAq.
• Must be a collegial team player who is committed to strengthening the quality of work, productivity, profile, and mission impact of the NEAq. 
• Must be willing to travel to national and international professional conferences and workshops to represent their program and the broader NEAq.