Research Assistant (RA), Ocean Giants

About the position The Research Assistant (RA) will gain valuable experience in applied conservation and research as part of the Ocean Giants Program and will be primarily focused on data processing and analysis of large acoustic data sets as part of our acoustic monitoring projects in the New York Bight. Data analysis will include validation and classification of cetacean vocalizations from automated detection outputs, with the potential to work on the characterization of ambient noise. The RA will also assist with field work activities in the New York Bight collecting marine mammal sightings, photo identification (ID), genetic and tag data. Other aspects of the position include: 1) contributing to policy, education, and advocacy initiatives, and 2) working actively on current or planned projects on ocean noise, eDNA and integration and synthesis of multiple types of data. The RA position requires individuals that have some experience with analyses of large datasets (particularly acoustic data), have some quantitative analysis skills and fieldwork experience. 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 RA will also be expected to contribute to report writing and publications. The RA is expected to undertake an independent research project of interest, providing that work aligns with one of the Ocean Giant Program’s project objectives, which would be expected to result in publication.

Responsibilities

• Support the Ocean Giant team with acoustic projects.
• Assist with training interns on the acoustic review process and the identification of cetacean vocalizations.
• Assist with conducting field work activities in the New York Bight including: Deploying/recovering acoustic units Gather data on vessel surveys; maintain all appropriate field equipment.
• Contribute to analyses and/or approaches for marine mammal science and conservation.
• Assist with the management of acoustic data and data collected during field work activities in the New York Bight including sightings and behavioral data, photo ID catalogs and genetic and tag data.
• Maintain data quality standards and backups of all field-collected and acoustic data.
• Contribute to report writing for major donors.
• Contribute to and/or design an independent research project of interest, providing that the work aligns with one of the Ocean Giant Programs project objectives, with the expectation that it would result in a peer-reviewed publication.
• Advance policy, education, and advocacy initiatives consistent with WCS’s mission and objectives.
• Work on current or planned projects on ocean noise, eDNA, and the synthesis/integration of multiple types of data to support conservation and management outcomes.
• Create and advance novel content on programmatic website whalesofnewyork.wcs.org (with Conservation Technology group) and related social media.

Requirements

• Master’s 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).
• Working with large datasets of long-term acoustic data.
• Familiarity with cetacean vocalizations.
• Fluency in the use of Bioacoustics analysis software (e.g. Raven, Pamguard, Ishmael, etc.).
• Programming skills for data analysis (e.g. in R or MATrix LABoratory (MATLAB) allowing development).
• Automated detection of cetacean vocalizations in large datasets.
• Field work skills and working in a productive and collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in scientific writing that leads to peer-reviewed publications.
• Classification of detected vocalizations to species or taxon group.
• Characterization of ambient noise using established metrics and procedures.
• Expected travel on occasion to conferences and/or meetings with approval.
• Flexibility to work across multiple time zones.
• Participate in programmatic efforts with the New York Seascape/New York Aquarium/Species & Policy Teams for wider conservation research, policy, and outreach.

Nice-to-haves

• 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

Benefits

• WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process.
• We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce.
• We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
• The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates.
• The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
• It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.
• Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.

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