Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate commitment to Georgia Aquarium’s vision, mission, and values.
- Conduct high caliber research (field-based and aquarium-based) that advances species and ecosystem conservation focusing on filter-feeding elasmobranchs.
- Publish high-quality science and present at national and international conferences as required.
- Responsible for IACUC submissions and all state, federal, or international research permitting compliance.
- Serve as a mentor/advisor to volunteers, interns, and graduate students.
- Work collaboratively with the CSS team and the larger IUCN network to identify conservation priorities and needs for vulnerable sharks and rays.
- Develop and manage research and conservation projects and associated budget under the direction of the Senior Director of Research & Conservation.
- Successfully maintain formal and informal collaborations with external research groups and institutions needed to advance mutual research goals.
- Work with aquarium’s Public Relations and Communications team to publicize the research program.
- Participate on aquarium teams, committees, and other working groups as deemed relevant.
- 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:
- A Ph.D. in Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Ecology, Marine Biology or related equivalent.
Experience and Skills:
- Experience working with whale sharks and manta rays in a field and aquarium research setting.
- Track record of excellent oral and written communication skills and productivity.
- Excellent research and quantitative skills.
- Statistical competency with multivariate datasets, especially within the R platform.
- Ability to think creatively and work openly and collaboratively across a diverse landscape of local communities and partner organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed disciplinary journals.
- Ability to convey science to the public in a compelling fashion.
- Advanced SCUBA certification.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse audience, including aquarium staff and volunteers, visitors, members of the public, academic colleagues, and donors.
- Comfort speaking to news media.
- Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally for research and conference opportunities.
Compensation: $75,000 annually