Ocean Career: Seattle Aquarium Research Scientist—Clean Seas
ECO Posted On April 18, 2024
The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for a Research Scientist to join the Conservation Research Program team to support their mission-inspired research and to bring fresh and unique perspectives to advance their conservation priorities: Clean Waters, Climate Resilience and Sustainable Seas.
The Research Scientist leads, develops, and assists with collaborative and creative conservation research. The position works within the Aquarium's Conservation Research team and in collaboration with other staff, volunteers, students, and external partners (e.g., tribal, academic, NGO, and government agency scientists). This position also leads fundraising efforts in coordination with the Senior Conservation Research Manager to facilitate growth of the research program and to supplement the existing research program budget.
Key functions:
This position is responsible for moving forward the Seattle Aquarium’s conservation research program under the direct supervision of the Senior Conservation Research Manager. Core duties include but are not limited to:
Research and Analytics
- Lead, develop and implement relevant research projects to advance the aquarium’s mission and the clean waters or sustainable seas conservation priority.
- Develop protocols/methods taking care to incorporate the Aquarium’s unique location, research team, and organizational structure.
- Collect relevant data to answer research questions.
- Use computer-based data entry and data analysis programs to determine important and relevant trends.
- Write results for various audiences (e.g., academic, community, external partners, legislators).
- Assist in research projects led by other members of the research team, as needed, to ensure project development, momentum, timely deliverables, and continuation.
Internal and external partnerships
- Facilitate internal partnerships to enhance across departmental collaboration.
- Develop and nurture external partnerships to enhance communication and collaboration.
Sharing data and leading community
- Convene meetings/trainings (e.g., symposiums, workshops, etc.) to build community and capacity, facilitate networking, and enable the exchange of ideas.
- Publish scientific findings (as both lead and co-author) in both peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed journals/forums and present results at scientific meetings, aquarium events, and other forums.
- Participate in public speaking and engagement opportunities as they arise.
- Coordinate with the Marketing and Communications and Public Relations teams to develop clear, compelling communication materials and connect with media.
Team management and fundraising
- Supervise staff and volunteers involved in research projects.
- Mentor staff, volunteers, and students to support academic development and advance conservation research.
- Act as a role model for compliance with all Aquarium safety protocols, especially with regard to the activities that take place in the lab and in the field.
- Pursue funding to support ongoing and new research projects. This includes leading and coordinating the preparation of proposals and budgets and coordinating with internal and external partners.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required skills and experience:
We will consider various combinations of relevant experience and education to meet minimum requirements.
- Minimum of five years of an equivalent combination of experience and education. Our research scientists generally have a Master’s degree and three years of research experience or a Ph.D.
- Demonstrated expertise leading and participating in the development of new research projects and the continuation of existing research projects.
- Strong analytical skills, and written and oral science communication skills, including translating scientific results for technical and public audiences.
- Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to develop and foster partnerships with diverse organizations and communities.
- Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize and consistently meet deadlines on various projects, and a high degree of professionalism.
- Self-motivated, self-directed, and proactive in seeking guidance when needed.
- Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and team-building skills.
- Must have or be able to obtain a Washington State Driver’s License.
- Experience navigating complex research landscapes to advance research which aim to inform policy.
- Personal or cultural ties to diverse multicultural and multilingual communities, networks, and organizations. A history of cultural and community involvement and leadership.
Working conditions:
- Requires the ability to work in the field in a variety of environmental conditions.
- Must be able to be on their feet 4 or more hours a day (up to 8), be physically active through physical motions.
- Travel as needed to conduct fieldwork and participate in national and international conferences. Current research projects require regular travel within Washington (less than 25%).
Salary and benefits: $32-$33.17 per hour
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