Ocean Career: Georgia Aquarium Research Scientist–Whale Sharks & Manta Rays

Responsibilities:

1. Demonstrate commitment to Georgia Aquarium’s vision, mission, and values.
2. Conduct high caliber research (field-based and aquarium-based) that advances species and ecosystem conservation focusing on filter-feeding elasmobranchs.
3. Publish high-quality science and present at national and international conferences as required.
4. Responsible for IACUC submissions and all state, federal, or international research permitting compliance.
5. Serve as a mentor/advisor to volunteers, interns, and graduate students.
6. Work collaboratively with the CSS team and the larger IUCN network to identify conservation priorities and needs for vulnerable sharks and rays.
7. Develop and manage research and conservation projects and associated budget under the direction of the Senior Director of Research & Conservation.
8. Successfully maintain formal and informal collaborations with external research groups and institutions needed to advance mutual research goals.
9. Work with aquarium’s Public Relations and Communications team to publicize the research program.
10. Participate on aquarium teams, committees, and other working groups as deemed relevant.
11. Perform other duties as required by the Senior Director of Research & Conservation or as workload necessitates.

Qualifications:

This position is based in Atlanta, GA, USA.

Education:

1. A Ph.D. in Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Ecology, Marine Biology or related equivalent.

Experience and Skills:

1. Experience working with whale sharks and manta rays in a field and aquarium research setting.
2. Track record of excellent oral and written communication skills and productivity.
3. Excellent research and quantitative skills.
4. Statistical competency with multivariate datasets, especially within the R platform.
5. Ability to think creatively and work openly and collaboratively across a diverse landscape of local communities and partner organizations.
6. Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed disciplinary journals.
7. Ability to convey science to the public in a compelling fashion.
8. Advanced SCUBA certification.
9. Exceptional interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse audience, including aquarium staff and volunteers, visitors, members of the public, academic colleagues, and donors.
10. Comfort speaking to news media.
11. Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally for research and conference opportunities.

Compensation: $75,000 annually

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.