Hello MARMAM community,
We are recruiting a postdoctoral scholar to join our research team in the GEMM Lab at the Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University. The position will focus on the bioenergetics and ecology of gray whales. Please see details below,
spread the word, and reach out with any questions. Thank you!
Cheers,
Leigh
Postdoctoral Scholar Position: Bioenergetics and ecology of gray whales
Name of College/Department/School/Division: Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna (GEMM) Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Science, College of Agricultural Sciences
Location: Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, Oregon
Open and close dates: Open: August 1, 2026. Close: Nov 1, 2026
Position start date: May 1, 2027
Summary: (1.0 FTE; 12-months per year) The GEMM Lab has led a collaborative study of gray whale ecology and physiology for over 12 years through the Gray whale Response to Ambient Noise Informed by Technology and Ecology (GRANITE:
https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab/granite-gray-whale-response-ambient-noise-informed-technology-ecology) project. GRANITE aims to understand the effects of stressors on individual whales and population vital rates through collection of multidisciplinary
data and the Population Consequences of Multiple Stressors (PCoMS) framework. Through support from the Office of Naval Research Marine Biology program, we are entering phase 2 of this project, which focuses on deployment of multisensor suction cup tags to
collect simultaneous data on the whale’s behavior and acoustic and visual environment. We seek a motivated and collaborative post doc to join our team, who brings skills in analysis of accelerometry data, bioenergetics, and acoustics. The position provides
a competitive stipend and health insurance for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance (https://gradschool.oregonstate.edu/postdocs).
Required Qualifications: (1) PhD in a life science field, completed by start of position and within 3 years of start date. (2) Demonstrated productivity, capacity for independent and collaborative research, and intellectual creativity.
(3) Strong background in wildlife bioenergetics and experience working with accelerometry data. (4) Skilled in data management, analysis, and visualization. (5) Ability to program in R. (6) Eligible for postdoctoral scholar support at OSU (see
recruitment webpage).
Preferred Qualifications: (1) Research experience in marine ecology, including behavioral and spatial ecology, wildlife management, and marine mammal biology. (2) Research experience working with acoustic data. (3) Excellent oral
and written communication skills. (4) Field experience working in a marine environment, including on a small vessel. (5) Strong track record of collaboration and ability to work within an interdisciplinary team. (6) Experience working with
CATS tags or Dtags.
Application Process: Please prepare a single PDF that includes a 1-page cover letter, a full CV, and names and contact information for three references (include your surname and first initial in the file name). Applications and inquiries
may be sent by email with subject line “PD scholar” to: Leigh Torres, Oregon State University,
leigh.torres@oregonstate.edu
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Leigh Torres, Ph.D.
Endowed Trophic Ecology Professor in the Marine Mammal Institute Professor, Oregon State University The Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab (GEMM Lab) Oregon Sea Grant; Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365, U.S.A 541-867-0895;
leigh.torres@oregonstate.edu
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Recent publications: Pirotta, E., L. New, A. Fernandez Ajó, K.C. Bierlich, C.N. Bird, C.L. Buck, L. Hildebrand, K.E. Hunt, J. Calambokidis, and L.G.
Torres, Body size, nutritional state and endocrine state are associated with calving probability in a long-lived marine species. Journal of Animal Ecology, 2025. 00: p. 1-13.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.70068 Hildebrand, L., L. New, E. Pirotta, J.D. Stewart, I. Hildebrand, C. Newell, K.C. Bierlich, C.N. Bird, A. Fernandez Ajó, D. Turek,
and L.G. Torres, Bayesian Estimation of Individual Gray Whale Space Use Reveals Differential Exposure to Stressors. Ecology and Evolution, 2025. 15(5): p. e71330.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71330 Derville, S., J. Calambokidis, D. Palacios, J. Tackaberry, C. Hayslip, K. Flynn, L. New, C. Baker, D. Steel, K. Martien, J. Moore,
M. Lauf, L. Wickman, A. Wall, C. Newell, and L. Torres, Rates of entanglement inferred from scarring prevalence of humpback whales photographed in US Oregon waters. Endangered Species Research, 2025. 57: p. 253-271.
https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01416
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