The Shaw Institute is recruiting to fill the position of Research Projects Coordinator to implement research and monitoring initiatives from its Blue Hill Research Center on the mid-Maine coast. This is a challenging opportunity for a highly motivated individual with a background in environmental toxicology/chemistry, marine sciences, or a related field, and excellent organizational, analytical, and communications skills. The Coordinator will help design and carry out collaborative research and monitoring projects, supervise interns, interact with partner organizations, and assist with obtaining funding to expand the research. This is a full-time position on location in Blue Hill, Maine available immediately. The position will remain open until filled.

Shaw Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit scientific research organization based in Maine and New York with a mission to protect human and ecological health through innovative science and strategic partnerships. Founded in 1990 by leading environmental scientist Dr. Susan Shaw, the Institute is globally recognized for pioneering high-impact research on plastic/microplastic pollution, POPs (flame retardants, PFAS), marine mammal sentinels, climate change, and oil spills that has fueled public policy and societal change nationally and internationally.

Job Description

Working closely with the Director and senior research staff, the Research Projects Coordinator is responsible for the design, execution, and successful completion/publication of the Institute’s diverse research and monitoring initiatives. The Coordinator will provide communication and outreach to the community through multiple outlets, develop and maintain collaborative partnerships, and seek funding, grant, and growth opportunities. The Coordinator manages the internship program, including recruitment, hiring, and supervising up to four seasonal interns.

Primary Role and Responsibilities

Plan, document, and implement research and monitoring projects – from budgeting to design and fieldwork (including sample collection by land and boat), lab work and statistical analysis of data, and writing reports and publications in peer-reviewed journals
Manage the research laboratories; develop inventories, manuals, budgets; oversee maintenance and repair of lab and field equipment
Hire, train, and supervise up to four seasonal interns, which involves developing projects, overseeing field/lab work and data analysis, and facilitating professional growth for interns by providing opportunities for academic and community presentations
Perform data entry and analyses, literature reviews, background searches for publications
Drive and operate the Institute’s marine research vessels; train interns in small boat handling
Obtain and update permits and licenses for projects as needed
Participate in marine mammal stranding response; assist with necropsies and processing/archiving of tissue samples in the Environmental Specimen Bank
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with research partners, relevant agencies, environmental groups, and the local community
Articulate and promote the Shaw Institute’s mission and research projects to the public
Write reports and project summaries for the lay public, funders, and digital platforms
Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Help identify funding opportunities and prepare grant applications
Assist with Shaw Institute events, lectures, and fundraising activities as needed

Please see the listing on our website for required qualifications and details about how to apply.

https://www.shawinstitute.org/about/employment-opportunities

Michelle Berger

Senior Research Associate

Shaw Institute

Blue Hill Research Center

55 Main St, P.O. Box 1652

Blue Hill, Maine

207 374 2135