Assistant Research Scientist 1

We are seeking a full-time Assistant Research Scientist I to assist with fieldwork related to sharks, sea turtles, and fishes, maintain research vessels, and provide general support for several ongoing projects within the Fisheries Science and Emerging Technologies research program of the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium. The successful candidate will lead and/or assist with at-sea research trips up to 80 miles offshore for the purposes of tagging, recovery and maintenance of monitoring equipment, and data collection. The position will be primarily based in southeastern Massachusetts with work taking place in and around Cape Cod, Boston, Nantucket Sound, Rhode Island, and offshore waters. Residency in southeast Massachusetts during the contract period is required (relocation expenses will not be covered by the New England Aquarium). When not in the field, the candidate will work remotely from home. The position includes funding for 12 months, with the potential for extension contingent on funding and performance. Exact start and end dates are flexible but candidates must be available to begin by April 1, 2023.

New England Aquarium has implemented comprehensive safety protocols for employees and visitors to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure. As a member of our team, you will be provided with the training and resources needed to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. In addition, the Aquarium requires all staff to be vaccinated with one booster shot (when eligible) against COVID-19 unless a reasonable medical or religious accommodation is requested and approved.

This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The general schedule will be Monday-Friday. However, field work is often weather dependent, and candidates must be flexible to work weekends and varied hours.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential Job Duties

1. Lead or assist with at-sea activities of multiple research projects including:
2. Rod and reel, gillnet, and longline fishing
3. Tagging target species
4. Recovering tag packages
5. Deploying, downloading and maintaining monitoring equipment
6. Responding to turtle entanglements
7. Participate in at-sea research trips of 1 to 5 days in duration
8. Participate in rigorous at-sea safety training classes, exercises, or certifications
9. Trailer research vessels <35 ft
10. Operate inboard and outboard research vessels <35 ft
11. Manage and conduct maintenance of research vessels including cleaning, upkeep, winterization, and minor repairs. Interface with mechanics for any major repairs.
12. Participate in data collection and management; assist with data analysis and generating products for reports, proposals, and publications.
13. Clean, store, and prepare field gear
14. Collaborate with scientific and fishing industry partners to schedule and coordinate field work

Secondary Job Duties

1. Assist other Aquarium research and operational programs as needed, including coordinating with relevant species groups with the American Zoological Association (AZA).

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in Marine Science, Biology, Fisheries, Zoology, Ecology or related discipline with at least 2 years experience conducting field research at sea.
• Demonstrated boating and fishing experience, including the collection of data at sea.

Preferred Training and Experience

• Master's degree in Marine Science, Biology, Fisheries, Zoology, Ecology or related discipline or extensive (3+ years) experience conducting field research at sea strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have extensive boating and fishing experience
• Must have experience conducting scientific research at sea
• Must be able to trailer, launch, and/or captain a small vessel (<35')
• Must be knowledgeable of small boat upkeep and maintenance
• Must have own transportation to and from field sites on and around Cape Cod, MA and Boston, MA
• Must have ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and multi-day trips
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in the field in many weather conditions
• Demonstrated ability to interact with commercial and recreational fishermen
• Detail-oriented and meticulous
• Must be resourceful, with excellent problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to get along well with other team members for prolonged periods of time in tight quarters and shared spaces

New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.