Marine mammal monitoring programme project leader

 

 

 

Applications are invited for a nine month position leading a marine mammal monitoring programme in Co. Mayo on the west coast of Ireland. The marine mammal monitoring programme is grant aided by Shell E&P Ireland through RSK Environment Ltd.

 

The candidate will ideally be a postdoctoral researcher, employed through the Coastal and Marine Resources Centre (CMRC), University College Cork http://cmrc.ucc.ie and will need to be based close to the study area in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo.

 

Background: Under a development plan for the CORRIB gas field off western Ireland, Enterprise Energy Ireland Ltd. commissioned the Coastal & Marine Resources Centre (CMRC), University College Cork to conduct an independent cetacean monitoring programme in northwest Ireland in 2001 - 02.  Due to the findings of preliminary field surveys in 2001 the study’s remit was expanded to also include other marine mammal species recorded in the study area. Research was undertaken in Broadhaven Bay (candidate Special Area of Conservation - cSAC), County Mayo and its adjoining coastal waters. The programme of marine mammal monitoring was continued in 2005 and 2008 during the CORRIB development’s marine phases, to safeguard protected species from potential impacts. Research efforts are currently being continued in 2009 and potentially into 2010.

 

 

Position: We are recruiting a project leader to coordinate the marine mammal monitoring programme. The position will be for April-December 2009 initially with potential extension in 2010 pending further funding.

 

Candidate: The researcher will require the following skills profile:

·       A PhD in any area of marine mammal ecology (preferable but not essential)

·       Relevant marine mammal research/monitoring experience

·       Knowledge of marine mammal survey methodologies

·       Experience of cetacean photo identification techniques

·       Experience of acoustic monitoring of cetaceans (TPODs and CPODs currently used in the project)

·       Experience of GIS (e.g. ArcGIS), databases (e.g. Access) and metadata standards

·       Experience with statistical analysis and preferably statistical modelling

·       Good publication track record

·       Proven ability of team leadership and excellent oral and written communication skills

·       Demonstration of project management and networking skills

·       Proven ability to work in a small research group ideally in a remote location

 

Duration and salary: Duration is initially for 9 months (and potentially longer) conditional upon future funding and a review after a three month period. Salary (gross) is €51,840 pa with an additional monthly living allowance of €200.

 

Application: The closing date for applications is Friday 6th March 2009. Candidates should submit their curriculum vitae including references and a cover letter via email to Grainne Lynch: grainne.lynch@ucc.ie.