The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (CDF) is recruiting a Senior Fisheries Quantitative Ecologist to join our shark research team and strengthen ongoing long-term research on shark population ecology and conservation conducted by the CDF.

The selected candidate will integrate the core technical team of a five-year project ("Habla Tiburón" project), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

We are seeking a motivated professional committed to the conservation of sharks and marine ecosystems of the Galapagos Marine Reserve and wider Eastern Tropical Pacific. The research conducted by the fisheries quantitative ecologist should generate state-of-the-art scientific information and knowledge that will provide stakeholders and decision makers with improved knowledge to make informed decisions related to management and conservation in the Ecuadorian Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), including the Galapagos Islands.

Duties

The selected candidate will maintain a close and active interaction with the Principal Investigators of the Shark Ecology Project. The selected person will also collaborate in close relationship with other team members and close partners of the project, including NGOs, industry and government. Additionally, the selected candidate may co-develop collaborative initiatives with local national and international institutions, and will work alongside the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNDP) and with other strategic partners.

The main responsibilities of the position are:

• Conduct research on shark fisheries ecology, with a focus on understanding the effects of fishing pressure by the main fishing fleets in Ecuador on the shark populations within the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
• Analyze a range of datasets (including fisheries dependent and independent) and employ advanced analytical techniques to investigate exploitation levels and conservation status of shark and ray populations interacting with fisheries in Ecuador.
• Apply quantitative methods (including suitable methods for data-deficient scenarios) to estimate fisheries reference points, targets, and limits to ensure the long-term viability and ecological functionality of shark populations in the region.
• Apply quantitative methods such as population dynamics models and spatial analysis to describe fisheries dynamics and trends.
• Conduct risk assessments and evaluate the impact of different management strategies on shark populations and fisheries target species.
• Design and conduct data collection activities to gather fisheries-related data.
• Engage in a range of fieldwork activities and expeditions to collect data for the project.
• Collaborate with other scientists and stakeholders to collect and analyze data, including satellite telemetry, fisheries, and social data to identify key factors affecting shark populations.
• Develop and implement research to assess the effectiveness of fisheries management actions on promoting recovery of shark populations.
• Work closely with NGOs, government agencies and other stakeholders to promote sustainable fishing practices and support the implementation of best fishing practices.
• Engage in specialized workshops and working groups related to fisheries management and reduction of shark fishing mortality.
• Assist with the capacity building and training of government officials, fisherfolks and other key stakeholders.
• Engage in educational and public outreach initiatives related to shark conservation. Deliver presentations, participate in workshops, and contribute to community engagement activities.
• Supervise and provide mentorship to junior researchers and volunteers as well as assist on capacity building for stakeholders.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, ensuring the professional development of team members.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals to contribute to the regional and global knowledge on shark ecology and conservation.
• Assist on report writing and general communication of the project

Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in Fisheries Science, Marine Ecology, Quantitative Ecology, or a related field.
2. A minimum of 5 years of experience conducting research on quantitative ecology, fisheries science or population dynamics, preferably within the context of shark populations and/or developing countries.
3. Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency/ advanced level of knowledge in analytical software such as R and ArcGIS, or similar.
4. Expertise in analyzing data-poor and data-deficient fisheries datasets to deliver stock assessments and management recommendations.
5. Expertise in spatial analysis techniques, remote sensing, and statistical modeling, with a strong understanding of their application to fisheries management and conservation.
6. Extensive fieldwork experience, including data collection in developing regions, remote locations and challenging conditions.
7. Demonstrated track record of publishing research findings in high-impact scientific journals and presenting at international conferences.
8. Excellent project management skills, including the ability to design and execute research projects, manage budgets, and meet deadlines.
9. Experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including scientists, local communities, and government agencies, to achieve common conservation goals.
10. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and intermediate Spanish is desired.
11. Ability/experience at supervising and training junior staff and volunteers.

Desirable qualifications

• Advanced experience in scientific diving (Rescue Diver or higher, with at least 100 scientific dives). Ability and/or certification in freediving is also desirable.
• Previous experience with capture, manipulation, and tagging of sharks.
• Knowledge of marine conservation issues, particularly in the context of the Eastern Tropical Pacific and shark populations.
• Ability/experience organizing and carrying out successful workshops, meetings and other participatory methodologies with authorities and users of natural resources.
• Previous experience at doing research in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (including Galapagos Marine Reserve).

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.