The Marine Environmental Research Institute is seeking an individual with a background in marine mammal biostatistics, ecotoxicology, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, or a related field to fill a full-time *Research Assistant *position at the Center for Marine Studies in Blue Hill, Maine. Located on the mid-Maine coast, the Marine Environmental Research Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting ocean life and human health through scientific research, education and advocacy. Current initiatives include long-term research on levels and effects of environmental pollutants in marine mammals and fish in the Gulf of Maine and along the mid-Atlantic coast, and coastal monitoring studies in Blue Hill Bay. For more information, visit: www.meriresearch.org. The individual who fills this position will be a highly organized, detail-oriented scientist with excellent statistical, database management, and writing skills who is able to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, and work independently and as part of a team. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine or environmental health sciences. The ideal candidate will possess a personal interest in the marine environment and a commitment to the mission of the organization. *Primary Job Responsibility: * Assist the Director and senior research staff with the implementation of MERI’s ecotoxicological and marine mammal research projects. Perform data management, statistical analysis, literature reviews, and assist with preparation of scientific publications and presentations. *Specific Responsibilities: * * Perform data entry/database management and statistical analysis using Excel, Filemaker, and SPSS statistical software packages * Conduct literature searches and reviews; assist with the maintenance and expansion of MERI’s scientific research library using EndNote software. * Assist with preparation of peer-reviewed scientific publications and reports, write up results and methods, compile data from literature and create tables and figures from data analysis * Assist with the creation of Power Point presentations utilizing statistical and graphics software * Assist with science translation and dissemination to a broad public * Assist with marine mammal stranding response, sample collection, sample processing, and tissue bank database maintenance; collaborate with the regional marine mammal stranding network and other institutions to expand the tissue bank for future studies * Perform other duties as assigned by the Director *Reports to:* Director and Senior Staff This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits package. Minimum requirements to be successful in this position are: excellent database management, statistics, literature review, research and writing skills. The ideal candidate will possess a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, proficiency with scientific literature searches and reference library systems, and advanced skills with word processing, statistical/graphics, database (Filemaker), and literature search software (EndNote). At least two years’ experience working in ecotoxicology, ecology, epidemiology, or biostatistics preferred. GIS software skills a plus. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s or higher degree in ecotoxicology, epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, environmental health sciences or a related field from an accredited university. Applicant must be able to meet deadlines and be flexible to accommodate workload. Candidate should be familiar with basic marine laboratory practices and have some field experience. Candidate should be US citizens or permanent residents. *Time Requirements:* Full-time (min. 40 hours/week); additional hours to be agreed upon by employee and Director. Part-time employment for this position will also be considered. Salary: Competitive, DOE Full-time Benefits Package: Includes eligibility for group health insurance after 30 days If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit by e-mail with “Research Assistant” in the subject line, a letter of application with updated CV, two writing samples, and contact information for three references to: * *info@meriresearch.org *Application Deadline:* April 16, 2012 The recruitment notice for this position and information on how to apply is also posted on the website: www.meriresearch.org Marine Environmental Research Institute PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04616 Tel: (207) 374-2135 Fax: (207) 374-2931 www.meriresearch.org MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer