Marine Mammal Science Job Openings

Assistant or Associate Professor (Marine Mammal Science)

Job Category: Faculty Level Positions
Date Posted:

Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Marine Mammal Science.

The appointment percentage for this position is expected to be full-time (1.00 FTE) by obtaining grant and contract funds to cover the remaining .25 FTE appointment salary dollars. Key components include: Research and Scholarship (50%), Teaching and Advising (20%), Program Administration (15%), Outreach and Professional Development (10%), Service (5%). For full consideration, apply by 3 January 2025. For a complete position description and application instructions, please visit https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/161905 (Posting #P08655UF).

The major focus of this position is to discover and disseminate new information through development of an innovative research program to better understand marine mammals and related ecosystem, conservation, and management issues. Annually teach one 3 (or more)-credit undergraduate, graduate, or slash course. Advise, direct and support graduate students.

Areas of expertise can include but are not limited to physiology, population biology, life history, conservation biology, ecology, human dimensions, and development of science-based solutions to mitigate anthropogenic impacts. Taxonomic focus can include all species of marine mammals including pinnipeds, sea otters, cetaceans, sirenians, and polar bears; geographic focus can be local, regional, or global, including polar regions. Development and application of novel equipment, field and laboratory techniques, experimental designs, and/or analytical methods is desired.

The successful candidate will have a strong track record of collaboration, expertise that complements and diversifies existing strengths within the Marine Mammal Institute, and a demonstrative commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Marine Mammal Institute’s current strengths include the ecology (molecular, foraging, spatial, trophic), behavior, conservation (genomics, human–wildlife interactions), and population dynamics of marine mammals (primarily cetaceans) globally. We conduct long-term studies along the west coast of North America and the Pacific and Atlantic Arctic, and more regionally focused research in regions scattered through the temperate and tropical Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans. Our current suite of sampling and analytical tools include visual surveys, photographic identification, biologging, passive acoustic monitoring (application, detection, classification, density estimation, development of uncrewed platforms), molecular markers (genetics including environmental DNA, hormones), drones, diet analysis, marine mammal stranding response, spatial statistics (GIS, species distribution models), Bayesian approaches, advanced modeling, and deep learning.

Minimum Qualifications:
• A Ph.D. in a relevant discipline;
• Expertise in marine mammal science as evidenced by successful record of leading research and producing associated research products in a timely manner (e.g., publications in the peer-reviewed literature, reports and working papers; presentations at scientific conferences and workshops);
• Demonstrated ability or significant potential to successfully compete for research funding to support field and laboratory programs;
• Record of publication of scientific results in the peer-reviewed literature;
• Demonstrated ability or significant potential to work collaboratively in diverse environments (e.g., university, federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry, and Tribal entities);
• Demonstrated ability or significant potential in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills;
• Demonstrated experience with supervision, constructive feedback, and mentoring to staff and/or students; and
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity.

Additional Minimum/Required Qualifications for the rank of Associate Professor:
• Strong record of sustained extramural funding and publication in the peer-reviewed literature.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching.
• Meet the OSU teaching, advising, research and service criteria for Associate Professor (see the OSU Faculty Handbook for details). OSU will consider previous years of experience at other, similar institutions towards timelines for rank or tenure promotions.

OSU seeks diversity as a source of enrichment for our university community. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

For additional information about the position, contact Lisa.Ballance@oregonstate.edu and Scott.Heppell@oregonstate.edu.