Marine Mammal Researcher

University of California - Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

University of California - Santa Cruz is seeking a part-time Field Researcher to support marine mammal bioacoustic studies at Long Marine Laboratory. The role involves collecting bioacoustics and psychoacoustic data, maintaining instruments, and training volunteers for the project.

The position emphasizes data analysis, literature review, and manuscript preparation, with a focus on animal care and welfare in a laboratory setting. On-site work is required at UCSC's Main Campus in Santa Cruz.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area or equivalent experience.
• Experience working directly with marine mammals in human care.
• Ability to complete in-house core training program and animal welfare training.
• Ability to teach in-house laboratory protocols to lab staff.
• Experience acquiring and processing psychoacoustic data.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication with research partners.
• Proven ability to work independently and with a team.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Publication track record is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Marine Mammal Research: collect bioacoustics and psychoacoustic data; set up, calibrate, and troubleshoot instruments; train volunteers and students; maintain equipment records.
• Data Analysis, Writing, and Reporting: assist with data analysis, literature reviews, presentations, and manuscript preparation.
• Animal Care: prepare animals for cooperative participation; work with husbandry staff to ensure welfare; maintain animal records; support lab operations.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Marine mammals experience

Lab training

Psychoacoustic data

Attention to detail

Research skills

Communication skills

Independence

Deadline-driven

Publications

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Job ID: 89208

Location: Santa Cruz

Full/Part Time: Part Time

About UC Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

Department Overview

The mission of the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) is to strengthen and promote coastal and marine science research and education. IMS meets this responsibility by building and contributing knowledge to better understand the world's oceans, the coastal zone, their complex processes, fascinating inhabitants, economic importance, and how people interface with this region. The vision of IMS is to be a leader in innovative resources that crosses research boundaries in marine science, coastal sustainability, and policy. This vision is focused on centralized research themes aimed at understanding the processes that drive climate, ocean circulation, and biogeochemical processes in marine and coastal ecosystems.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of Principal Researcher Dr. Reichmuth, the successful candidate will apply acquired skills and knowledge of pinniped behavior, sensory physiology, and animal training and handling techniques to support ongoing bioacoustic and psychoacoustic research projects at Long Marine Laboratory.

Appointment Information

Budgeted Salary: $33.04/hour - $40.00/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: This position is not eligible for benefits

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 42.5%, 17 Hours per week
• Days of the Week: Monday to Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends
• Shift Includes: Day, Evening, Weekend

Employee Classification

Limited appointment

Job End Date

5 months from date of hire, with possibility of extension

Work Location

UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation

RP Union

Job Code Classification

005246 (FIELD RESEARCHER 3 RP)

Travel

Never or Rarely

Job Duties

50% - Marine Mammal Research

• Collects bioacoustics and psychoacoustic data with marine mammals at Long Marine Laboratory.
• Sets up, maintains, calibrates, and troubleshoots research instrumentation.
• Supports the training of volunteers and students, and facilitates their participation in research.
• Maintains detailed records for research equipment, calibration, and biological measurements within various databases.

35% - Data Analysis, Writing, and Reporting

• Assists with data analysis, literature reviews, presentations, and manuscript and report preparation.

15% - Animal Care

• Prepares animals for cooperative participation in laboratory research, and works closely with husbandry staff to ensure animal care and welfare.
• Maintains detailed animal husbandry records as needed.
• Supports general laboratory operations and the project team as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Experience working directly with marine mammals in human care.
• Ability to complete in-house core training program and animal welfare training.
• Ability to teach in-house laboratory protocols to lab staff.
• Experience acquiring and processing psychoacoustic data.
• Strong attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills with research partners and project team members.
• Proven ability to work independently and with a team.
• Demonstrated ability to meet strict deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong written communication skills including peer-reviewed publication record.
• Ability to exercise flexibility, initiative, good judgment, and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Enrollment and completion of the UCSC OHSS and UCSC IACUC training is required within 2 weeks of hire.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Employees whose positions are designated as Category 1 or Category 2 for occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) must receive the Hepatitis B vaccination or sign a Hepatitis B vaccination declination statement. Initial and annual Bloodborne Pathogens training is also required.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Safety Statement

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: https://chancellor.ucsc.edu/annual-security-reports/.

This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

EEO/AA