Research Assistant Positions at Duke University Duke University is seeking potential applicants for two full-time research assistants to conduct surveys for marine mammals and sea turtles along the east coast of the United States. The primary duties of both positions will be to collect information on the identity, movement, distribution and residency patterns of marine mammals using photo-identification and biopsy sampling techniques. Both observers will also participate in aerial and ship-board line-transect surveys. Field work will commence in May 2011, following a period of training, and will be conducted year-round from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina to northeastern Florida. These positions will be based at Duke University Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, NC. Details on duties, experience required and desirable qualifications are outlined below. Duties: Observers will collect visual, acoustic and photographic data on the distribution, behavior and ecology of marine mammals and sea turtles. The observers will participate in surveys aboard chartered aircraft and research vessels in offshore waters (>50 km). It will be necessary to travel to field sites and spend up to a week at a time at sea living aboard research vessels. The observers will also assist in the preparation of reports and maintain an archive of sightings, acoustic recordings and photo-identification data. Experience: A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required and a Masters degree is preferable. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. Applicants should have at least three years of experience in collecting and processing ecological data on marine mammal ecology and biology. Desirable Qualifications: The following experience is highly desirable: photo-identification and biopsy sampling; small boat handling; maintenance of photo-identification catalogs; passive acoustic monitoring; aerial and/or ship-board line-transect surveys; proficiency with MS Access and/or GIS software. Current aircraft emergency egress certification is preferable; without this certification, applicants must pass an emergency egress training course provided by the employer. If interested, please submit a cover letter and your resume to Jennifer Dunn (jennifer.dunn@duke.edu) by March 15. Andrew J. Read Rachel Carson Associate Professor of Marine Conservation Biology Division of Marine Science and Conservation Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University Marine Laboratory 135 Duke Marine Lab Road Beaufort, NC 28516 Phone: 252-504-7590 http://moray.ml.duke.edu/faculty/read/