Work with the senior science team management and junior science staff to use existing Seafood Watch and other global and regional datasets to initiate and complete novel research projects. Uphold the Aquarium’s core values of scientific rigor and integrity including informing ways to improve the Seafood Watch assessment process, maintain scientific collaborations with internal and external partners to collaborate on field and data mining research projects relevant to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s strategic ocean conservation goals. Serve as a reviewer for Seafood Watch assessments and process to ensure the highest standards for scientific rigor and the most up to date science are incorporated.
As needed, serve as the lead subject matter expert and spokesperson for Seafood Watch fisheries and aquaculture assessments as well as other conservation topics prioritized in the Global Ocean Conservation department. Participate on relevant scientific delegations, advisory boards, and expert panels to strengthen both domestic and international governance and ocean health through the application of the best available science. Perform other duties as required.
Core Activities
- Identify research needs pertinent to the Aquarium’s sustainable fisheries and aquaculture objectives, and other relevant Global Ocean Conservation goals, in collaboration with Conservation & Science leadership.
- Plan a diversity of research, including but not limited to analysis of internal and external large fisheries and aquaculture datasets, field research to address fisheries bycatch, and life-history research, to inform and address unknowns in the fields of global fisheries and aquaculture.
- Conduct a diversity of research, including but not limited to analysis of internal and external large fisheries and aquaculture datasets, field research to address fisheries bycatch, and life-history research, to inform and address unknowns in the fields of global fisheries and aquaculture.
- Publish peer-reviewed articles for scientific journals; this includes creation of figures, writing of manuscripts, and incorporating editor and reviewer comments.
- Develop content translating scientific findings into language and formats suitable for a general audience, in collaboration with Aquarium outreach and marketing and communications teams.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and relevant fisheries, aquaculture, and marine conservation management meetings.
- Develop and maintain collaborations with outside academic, government, NGO, industry, and other scientists to conduct collaborative research relevant to the Aquarium’s Global Ocean Conservation priorities.
- Advise Conservation and Science leadership on the development of strategic goals relevant to the Aquarium and divisional missions of ocean science and conservation
- Review Seafood Watch fisheries and aquaculture assessments to ensure they meet the highest standards for scientific rigor prior to publication. This includes developing familiarity with Seafood Watch standards for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
- Develop improved assessment methodologies, workflows, and efficiencies to ensure high throughput and accuracy of Seafood Watch Assessments, in collaboration with the Conservation & Science leadership.
- Oversee, train, and collaborate with science team staff, fellows, and volunteers on research projects that address knowledge gaps in the field of seafood sustainability.
- Manage a budget for research equipment, contractors, travel, and other needs.
- Serve as a member of the Research Oversight Committee, Seafood Watch Multi-Stakeholder Group, and Technical Advisory Committee.
- Serve as an Aquarium spokesperson and subject matter expert for relevant projects.
- Serve as a recognized expert on relevant advisory bodies, committees, and events.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)
- Ph.D. degree in Marine Ecology, Marine Conservation, Fisheries, Aquaculture, or related field
- 9+ years, inclusive of degree, experience in conducting, reviewing, and publication of scientific research
- 4+ years of experience in advising and managing employees and students engaged in marine ecology research
- Experience with federal and international fisheries management
- Proven track record of collaboration with scientists from academic, government, NGO, and other science institutions
- Knowledge of and engagement with state, federal and international fisheries, and aquaculture governance bodies
- Strong understanding of current issues in fisheries, aquaculture, and ocean conservation
- Experience engaging with media outlets (print, online, TV, film) to translate marine science and conservation to the general public
- Experience with science communication and possessing an ability to translate science to a general audience
- Relationships throughout the fields of ocean conservation, fisheries, and aquaculture
- Proven research, analysis and writing skills
- Strong data management, and quantitative/statistical analysis skills
- Proficiency with analytical software (R, Matlab, Python, etc.)
- Proficiency with data visualization software, including Adobe Illustrator
- Proven ability to work as part of a team to develop and execute science policy
- Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values
- Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Leadership Competencies
Annual Compensation Range
$91,200–$116,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.
