Job description

Job Description

Position: Ocean Giants Program Research Assistant

Reports to: Director, Ocean Giants Program

Location: Centre for Global Conservation, Bronx Zoo, Bronx, New York

Country Program/Sector: New York

Position Type: Full Time, 3-5 Years

Internal liaison: Dr. Melinda Rekdahl

Expected travel: NA

Job Summary:
The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Ocean Giant Program is seeking research assistant to work primarily on an acoustic monitoring project in the New York Bight. The primary focus of the project is detection, classification and potentially localization of cetacean vocalizations, as well as characterization of ambient noise using archival and near-real time recording technology. The data sets will include both historic and planned recordings from near-real time acoustic monitoring buoys deployed as part of a project to detect and alert in near real-time the presence of four key species of large whales (North Atlantic Right Whale, humpback whale, fin whale and sei whale). Analysis of the archival data as well as other acoustic data sets collected from recorders placed elsewhere in the New York Bight will involve both manual and automated methods for documenting all vocalizing marine mammal species.

The successful candidate will be expected to work independently under the supervision of the Ocean Giants Director and Marine Conservation Scientist and will assist with organizing and processing acoustic data and conducting analyses to satisfy the project goals. Data processing will involve some manual processing along with testing and running automated detectors for species present in the New York Bight, and assisting in the development of automated detectors if required. The research assistants are expected to have quantitative and analytical skills and contribute to work integrating multiple data types for conservation and management outcomes. The research assistants will also be expected to contribute to report writing and publications. Additional opportunities as part of the Ocean Giants Program team may include; 1) assisting with field work activities in the New York Bight collecting marine mammal sightings, photo ID, genetic and tag data 2) contribute to policy, education and advocacy initiatives, 3) work actively on current or planned projects on ocean noise, eDNA and integration and synthesis of multiple types of data. The successful candidates may also have the opportunity to undertake an independent research project of interest, providing that work aligns with one of the Ocean Giant Programs project objectives, and would be expected to result in publication.

The research assistant positions require individuals that are skilled at analysis of large datasets (acoustic data), have geospatial and modelling experience and fieldwork skills. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to write scientific papers, have excellent communication skills and the ability to work positively under difficult conditions when in the field. The position is currently funded for 3-5 years, with the option of continuation and advancement given satisfactory performance.

Major Responsibilities:
Organizing and processing acoustic data (manual processing along with testing and running automated detectors for species present in the New York Bight)
Assisting in the development of automated detectors if required.
Assisting with characterization of ambient noise
Conduct acoustic analyses to satisfy the project goals.
Contribute to report writing and publications.

Additional opportunities as part of the Ocean Giants Program team may include;

Assisting with field work activities in the New York Bight collecting marine mammal sightings, photo ID, genetic and tag data
Contributing to policy, education and advocacy initiatives
Work actively on current or planned projects on ocean noise, eDNA and synthesis of multiple types of data.
The successful candidates may also have the opportunity to undertake an independent research project of interest, providing that work aligns with one of the Ocean Giant Programs project objectives, and would be expected to result in publication.

Qualification Requirements

The successful applicant is expected to have:
A Masters degree or the equivalent in experience, in a field related to Marine Bioacoustics (candidates with both Biological Sciences and/or Engineering backgrounds are encouraged to apply).

The following experience is highly desirable but not essential to securing the position, providing the applicant demonstrates an ability to learn quickly and apply themselves to learning the skills listed below
Working with large datasets of long-term acoustic data
Familiarity with cetacean vocalizations
Fluency in the use of Bioacoustic analysis software (such as Raven, Pamguard, Ishmael, etc.)
Programming skills in R or MATLAB allowing development of stand alone analysis tools
Automated detection of cetacean vocalizations in large datasets
Field work skills
Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals
Localization of sound sources using an array of recording elements
Classification of detected vocalizations to species or taxon group
Characterization of ambient noise using established metrics and procedures

Application and Review Procedure

Please submit a CV, detailed cover letter describing specific experience in the skills listed above or other relevant skills not mentioned, and contact information for three references.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

Salary Range

$45,000-$50,000

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