Assistant Research Scientist II

Title: Assistant Research Scientist II

Location: Boston United States

Job Description:

We seek an Assistant Research Scientist to join the long-standing right whale research team as part of the Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program (KMMCP). The position is split between North Atlantic right whale photo-identification catalog research and coordination between the Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program and other departments within the New England Aquarium, as well as external groups. The catalog research will involve right whale photo-identification processing, including image management, data entry and coding, and data quality control. The role will also involve operations support for the program, including budgeting, grants tracking, organizing and tracking deliverables, and internal and external collaboration.

This is a full-time, 1-year, grant-funded position with the possibility for extension. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Monday-Friday from 9 am - 4:30 pm EST (35 hours/week with a 30-minute unpaid lunch period each day), and work will be conducted primarily remotely. A laptop will be provided, but a private, high-speed internet connection is required for remote work, as well as residence in one of the following states: MA, RI, NH, ME, NY, and VT.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog (75- 80%):

• Catalog duties will include entering sightings data, assigning images of individual whales to those sightings, coding images, sightings, and behaviors, and identifying individual right whales using the customized DIGITS software.
• Manage and analyze data and images contributed to the catalog, including data backups and quality control; import data and images into the database.
• Attend meetings and conferences related to right whales and other marine mammals to stay informed on the latest science.
• If requested, conduct vessel surveys as an observer and data recorder for a maximum of two weeks/year; assist with right whale-specific data collection. On-the-job training will be offered for vessel survey work.

Coordinator (20 - 25%):

• Serve as the team's coordinator, supporting all aspects of the team's work.
• Understand and help to implement protocols and procedures for both the Anderson Cabot Center and the broader organization, including grants management.
• Maintain and track the program budget, including maintaining accounting systems, helping to create proposal budgets, tracking budgets on various grants, creating and tracking grant spend-down plans, and creating systems to track staff time across multiple grants. Training in specific accounting software will be provided.
• Track deliverables and other organizational data, including generating quarterly and biannual reports or updates for the Aquarium's communications and development offices, respectively.
• Compile annual reports for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
• Act as an internal point of contact for programmatic questions.
• Produce and/or source information needed for media requests. Draft newsletter articles, blog posts, and partake in other media and outreach efforts related to research projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Sciences, Biology, Fisheries or related field required.
• 3 - 5years of relevant experience processing marine mammal photo-identification data required; experience with right whale photo identification preferred.
• Experience with digital photography and photographic analysis for whale photo-identification studies required.
• Experience with grant tracking, budgeting, and spend-down plans required.
• Familiarity with MS Access is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent organization, communication, and coordination skills.
• Proven data management skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and self-directed with strong time management skills.
• Familiarity with financial management for non-profits preferred.
• Strong writing skills.
• Proven ability to work flexibly within a team dynamic.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record required.
• 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/

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