Research Biologist

SSSC Status: Regular, Full Time, Overtime Exempt

Supervisor: Research Director

Location: 834 Lincoln Street, Sitka, AK

Pay Rate: $58,000 - $65,000, DOE

Application Deadline: November 8th, 2024

Start Date: December 1st, 2024

Description

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Research Biologist to join our team. The ideal candidate will conduct scientific research that aligns with our mission, focusing on the biology and ecology of local organisms and ecosystems. This position offers an opportunity to design and lead innovative field and laboratory research programs through collaboration with a diverse team of scientists, educators, support staff, local partners, and stakeholders. The ideal Research Biologist will have a self-starter attitude and a willingness to take on all aspects of the scientific process – from the glamorous to the mundane. While expertise in all aspects of the scientific process or stated areas of the project below are not necessarily required at the project outset, the ideal candidate will be curious and come with a passion for science that includes developing their scientific skillset and broadening their expertise as part of the SSSC team.

This is a grant funded position, with the possibility for extension beyond the initial 2 years based on performance and funding. This grant – NPRB Project 4560 (2408) Bioenergetics modeling to investigate ontogenetic diet changes and growth for Chinook salmon smolt in the Yukon River – will constitute the bulk of the Research Biologist’s initial workload. Within the scope of this NPRB project, the Research Biologist will be tasked with designing and building an experimental system to rear Chinook parr and smolt at SSSC, performing feeding assays at different fish sizes and water temperatures, and constructing a bioenergetics model for Chinook parr and smolt based on these experimental data. Because of this, the ideal candidate will have experience rearing fish as well as previous exposure to bioenergetics and molecular research. The Research Biologist will have intellectual and technical support from an experienced team of SSSC staff, but will be responsible for managing the experimental approach, data collection, and analysis with high integrity and scientific rigor. Further details about this project are available upon request.

Tasks

  • Propose, design, and conduct research projects related to local species and ecosystems
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data, employing various methodologies such as field surveys, laboratory experiments, and statistical modeling.
  • Prepare and publish research reports; and present research results for scientific audiences, policymakers, and community members, and other interested parties.
  • Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, tribal governments, and educational institutions to co-design research and exchange knowledge.
  • Active participation as part of the SSSC research team for engagement with project collaborators and eventual interpretation of project findings for peer-reviewed scientific output(s).
  • Engage with the community through outreach programs, educational workshops, and public presentations to help raise awareness about local ecosystems, conservation issues, and SSSC’s research programs.
  • Mentor and supervise interns and volunteers involved in research projects.
  • Stay current with scientific literature and advancements in the field, integrating new methodologies into ongoing research efforts.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Marine Science, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
  • Proven experience in field or laboratory research and data analysis
  • Strong analytical skills and experience with statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting research to diverse audiences
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while also being self-directed and independent
  • Passion for environmental science and community engagement, and a respect for diverse ways of knowing and approaching science

 

Highly Desired Skills

  • Familiarity with the terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Southeast Alaska
  • Experience with fish culture and/or fisheries research
  • Small boat handling experience
  • Ability to code in R and experience with the Wisconsin Bioenergetic Model
  • Experience using GitHub, GitHub commands, and Markdown markup language

The ability to adapt research and communicate with different audiences is critical.

Background

The Sitka Sound Science Center (SSSC) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit research and educational organization. Our mission is to improve the understanding and awareness of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Coastal Alaska through scientific research and science education. As part of this mission, we maintain a broad portfolio of research projects, host and support visiting scientists in their work, and integrate our research into a variety of educational programs. SSSC is made up of a team of people who enjoy collaborating across disciplines, thinking big and following through, and finding new ways to connect our community with the world around us.

Inclusion and equity are core values of the Sitka Sound Science Center. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for students, researchers, and staff. We believe every member of our staff and visitor to our facility enriches our diversity by sharing a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover solutions. We welcome the unique contributions each person brings through their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity or expression, nation of origin, age, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, ancestry, and beliefs.

Additional Information

Email curriculum vitae, cover letter, and contact information for two references to Lauren Bell, Research Director, Sitka Sound Science Center at lbell@sitkascience.org by Friday, November 8, 2024 using “Research Biologist Application” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please indicate how soon you would be available to start this position in-person at SSSC.