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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.