Research Scientist I

New England Aquarium; Boston (MA); Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A marine research organization in Boston is seeking a Research Scientist to lead the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Sightings & Effort Database and conduct independent research projects. This full-time role offers flexible hours and remote work options, with a strong focus on marine conservation. Candidates should have a Ph.D. or Master's degree with extensive relevant experience, excellent collaboration skills, and proficiency in data management tools. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible work hours

Remote work option

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in collecting and managing marine mammal data with relevant education and experience.
• Record of successful collaboration, fundraising, and publishing.
• Experience with SQL and relational database systems.
• Experience with project management, including budgeting and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the curation of the SED and establish it at NEAq.
• Lead and manage database improvement projects.
• Seek and manage funds to support the NARWC SED program.
• Develop relationships within NEAq to achieve scientific goals.
• Represent NEAq at public events and disseminate research activities.

Skills

Marine mammal data management

Collaboration

Fundraising

Publishing

SQL

Project management

R or Python coding

Education

Ph.D. or Master's degree

Job description

We seek a Research Scientist to join and grow with the long-standing right whale research team as part of the Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program. This scientist will oversee the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium (NARWC) Sightings & Effort Database (SED), which contains sightings and effort data for right whales and other marine species collected along the east coast of the US and Canada. They will lead the migration of the SED to NEAq, then oversee all database operations, including facilitating data submission, quality control, storage, and data access. They will undertake database improvement projects as needed. Finally, this scientist will lead independent research projects that advance conservation outcomes for marine species.

This is a full-time (35 hours per week) grant-funded position with one year of funding and the possibility for extension. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package. Work will be conducted primarily remotely with occasional in-person meetings. Work hours are flexible with remote meetings occurring between 9 am – 5pm EST Monday – Friday. A laptop will be provided, but an adequate workspace and high-speed internet connection are required, as well as residence in one of the following states: MA, RI, NH, ME, NY, or VT.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Lead the curation of the SED, including:
   1. Establish the SED at NEAq
   2. Provide community guidelines on best practices for data collection
   3. Facilitate data submission
   4. Develop and manage new and existing quality control and error checking systems on submitted data
   5. Oversee entry of quality-controlled data into the database
   6. Serve on the Board of the NARWC as a representative of the SED. Participate in the evaluation of data requests to the NARWC
   7. Develop new systems to establish and maintain strong links between the SED, WhaleMap, and the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog
   8. Fulfill approved data requests
   9. Satisfy all contractual obligations and reporting requirements in a thorough and timely manner
2. Develop and lead database improvement projects.
3. Develop and lead additional, self-directed research projects.
4. Seek and manage funds to support the NARWC SED program, including:
   1. Core funding to support your salary and maintain and improve the SED
   2. Additional funding for self-directed research projects
5. Develop and strengthen relationships between NEAq departments to enhance our collective scientific goals and mission. This includes actively integrating with the Anderson Cabot Center and broader NEAq community.
6. Represent NEAq at public events and in the media.
7. Disseminate research activities in various ways, including giving presentations at scientific conferences and leading and contributing to scientific publications.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

• Extensive experience in collecting and managing marine mammal data, defined as having a Ph.D. or Master's degree with an additional three years of relevant experience.
• Record of successful collaboration, fundraising and publishing.
• Experience with SQL and relational database systems
• Experience with project management, including budgeting, tracking, and reporting

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Highly collaborative with excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Extremely detail-oriented, with a passion for achieving the highest standards of database quality, consistency, and efficiency.
• Expert in marine mammal survey methods and associated data.
• Proficiency in coding in R, Python or a similar language.
• Must have a valid driver\'s license and passport.
• A genuine interest in, and passion for, the important ocean and marine animal conservation mission of the Aquarium.

For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/

The New England Aquarium is committed to an inclusive workplace culture and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, as defined by the EEOC. Here, we foster a culture of respect and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet. We believe that an inclusive workforce provides diverse experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our workplace culture.