Position Title: Research Scientist

Department: Research and Conservation

Classification: Exempt

Direct Report: Senior Director, Research & Conservation

Position Summary

The Research Scientist will develop and lead marine mammal research and conservation initiatives for the Aquarium’s IUCN Center for Species Survival (CSS) with a focus on bottlenose dolphins and other small cetacean species. We seek an established researcher with the ability to develop and manage a multi-investigator research program that adheres to the research priorities of the aquarium and regularly publish results in peer-reviewed journals. This position also serves as an institutional resource for content and communications to advance appropriate science messages through the aquarium’s many outreach channels.

Responsibilities:

Demonstrate commitment to Georgia Aquarium’s vision, mission, and values.
Conduct high caliber research (field-based or aquarium-based) and/or conservation initiatives that advance species and ecosystem conservation with a focus on bottlenose dolphins and other small cetacean species.
Publish high-quality science and present at national and international conferences as required.
Responsible for IACUC submissions and all state, federal, or international research permitting compliance.
Serve as a mentor/advisor to interns, volunteers, and students.
Work with the CSS team and the larger IUCN network to identify conservation priorities and needs for critically endangered cetacean species.
Develop and manage research and conservation projects and associated budget under the direction of the Senior Director of Research & Conservation.
Successfully maintain formal and informal collaborations with external research groups and institutions needed to advance mutual research goals.
Work with aquarium’s Public Relations and Communications team to publicize the research program.
Participate on aquarium teams, committees, and other working groups as deemed relevant.
Performs other duties as required by the Senior Director of Research & Conservation or as workload necessitates.

Qualifications:

Education:

A Ph.D. in Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Ecology, Marine Biology or related equivalent.

Experience and Skills:

Minimum of 2-5 years of post-graduate experience developing and leading research and conservation projects with marine mammals, preferably with bottlenose dolphins and other small cetacean species.
Track record of excellent oral and written communication skills and productivity.
Excellent research and quantitative skills.
Ability to think creatively and work openly and collaboratively across a diverse landscape of local communities and partner organizations.
Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed disciplinary journals.
Ability to convey science to the public in a compelling fashion.
Exceptional interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse audience, including aquarium staff and volunteers, visitors, members of the public, academic colleagues, donors and board members.
Experience and comfort speaking to news media.
Experience writing grant proposals and successfully competing for research funding.
Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally for research and/or conference opportunities.
This position is based at Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, GA, USA.

Preferred Skills

Familiarity with the IUCN One Plan Approach to Conservation, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the Animal Welfare Act.
Statistical competency with multivariate datasets, especially within the R platform.
SCUBA certification.
To Apply

Submit CV and cover letter summarizing your research and conservation experience and interests.

https://recruiting.ultipro.com/GEO1006GEORA/JobBoard/b0c027ed-af9a-4950-8803-c3356e7a2cad/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=0a07572f-e04b-4f20-a93f-b0fe4b440bb4