Chair, Senior Scientist - Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program - New England Aquarium

We are looking for an experienced research scientist to join our team as the Chair of our Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program (KMMCP) in the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium. The Anderson Cabot Center is the Aquarium's dedicated research arm. The Aquarium is committed to using the deep technical and scientific expertise of the Anderson Cabot Center to protect marine species. By joining the Aquarium, you will have the opportunity to amplify the impact of science as part of this integrated conservation organization.

As the KMMCP Chair, you will lead and support a team of 10-12 researchers dedicated to understanding and protecting the North Atlantic right whale. Existing research and staff expertise in this program is primarily focused on individual-based studies, including using photo-identification and biological samples collected from vessel-based surveys and drones to monitor the health and demographics of this species and assess human impacts. KMMCP staff lead the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium and Catalog, which are examples of long-standing collaborations among the community of right whale researchers. We are seeking someone who can guide this passionate team and contribute their own research to support our conservation goals related to protecting marine species. While expertise in the conservation of marine megafauna is preferred, we encourage applicants with a broad range of ecological expertise. This position provides opportunities for growth in programmatic focal areas, including new fieldwork opportunities, data collection methodologies, scientific inquiries, and taxa.

This full-time regular position comes with a range of benefits. The position will not start earlier than January 1, 2025. While nine months of annual salary support will be provided, you are expected to lead fundraising efforts for the program and your residual salary, as well as contribute to broader organizational efforts. The typical schedule will be Monday - Friday from 9a - 5p EST. You are expected to primarily work remotely; a computer will be provided, but you will need an adequate workspace and high-speed internet connection. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, NY, RI, VT, NH, or ME.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Lead the evolution of the scientific and strategic direction of the program, aligning it with broader organizational strategies, priorities, and targeted outcomes.
2. Identify conservation issues and research opportunities where innovative research tools and analyses can improve the efficiency and impact of the program's conservation science projects and initiatives.
3. Serve as a leader, collaborator, and key spokesperson internally and externally for the program's research and as an ambassador for the organization.
4. Recruit, supervise, mentor, and advise staff, including existing staff with expertise in individual-based studies.
5. Conduct primary scientific research related to your areas of expertise.
6. Contribute to fundraising efforts for staff salaries, research projects, and the whole organization.
7. Supervise financial and reporting/funding requirements for contracts and grants.
8. Other duties as applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS

Training and Experience

• PhD. or equivalent experience required. Post-doctoral training or additional advanced degrees are also desirable.
• Highly accomplished scientific researcher with a marine conservation orientation and a recognized authority in their field.
• 10+ years of relevant research experience (can include Ph.D. research), with experience leading a lab or program.
• Proven track record of developing and maintaining strong collaborations/partnerships in the chosen field of expertise.
• Strong record of scholarship in field(s) of expertise.
• Demonstrated external thought leadership in field of study, including presenting research at scientific conferences and serving as an encouraged expert on regional, national, and international working groups.
• Experience raising significant levels of government and/or private funding to support a large-scale lab/program required.
• Evidence that research outputs have contributed to environmental management/policy measures, processes, and/or regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be dedicated to and skilled at encouraging and maintaining collaborations, both internally and externally, and improving the overall efficiency, reputation, and impact of the organization.
• Leadership skills and abilities to lead a multidisciplinary group of staff and colleagues, including research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, research technicians, graduate students, and interns/volunteers.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills to disseminate research findings, write successful research grants, and serve as an effective ambassador for the organization.
• Willingness to travel to national and international professional conferences and workshops to represent the program and the organization.

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.