Postdoctoral Researcher, Ocean Giants - Wildlife Conservation Society : Job Details

Position : Postdoctoral Researcher, Ocean Giants

Reports to : Director, Ocean Giants

Position Managed : None

Location : New York (Hybrid)

Country Program / Sector : Marine Conservation

Scope : Site-Focused

Position Type : Full-Time

Job Summary :

Join a dynamic team with a proven track record in achieving change to address conservation challenges and threats to marine mammals in the New York Bight. The Postdoctoral researcher will gain valuable experience in applied conservation and research as part of the Ocean Giants Program at the Wildlife Conservation Society. This position will work primarily on an acoustic monitoring project in the New York Bight. The primary focus of the project is detection, classification and potentially localization of cetacean vocalizations, as well as characterization of ambient noise using archival and near-real time recording technology. The data sets will include both historic and planned recordings fromnear-real time acoustic monitoring buoys deployed as part of a project to detect and alert in near real-time the presence of the four key species of large whales present in the New York Bight (North Atlantic Right Whale, humpback whale, fin whale and sei whale). Analysis of the archival data as well as other acoustic data sets collected from recorders placed elsewhere in the New York Bight will involve both manual and automated methods for documenting all vocalizing marine mammal species.

This position will be expected to work independently under the supervision of the Director, Ocean Giants and liase with the Marine Conservation Scientist. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to organize and process acoustic data and conduct analyses to satisfy the project goals. Data processing will involve some manual validation and classification of automated detections of species present in the New York Bight, and the development of automated detectors and other novel related approaches when needed. The position will be expected to both lead and contribute to report writing and publications. Additional opportunities may include 1) assisting with field work activities in the New York Bight collecting marine mammal sightings, photo identification (ID), genetic and tag data 2) contribute to policy, education, and advocacy initiatives, 3) work actively on current or planned projects on ocean noise, eDNA and synthesis of multiple types of data.

The positions will require individuals that are skilled at analysis of large acoustic data sets,spatial analyses, and strong data-management, analytical and writing skills with a demonstrated ability to lead and finish relevant projects with a good publication track record. Additional beneficial skills include advanced mathematical modeling (e.g., habitat modeling, mark-recapture demographic modeling), ability to work with and integrate acoustic data with other data types, and extensive marine mammal field work experience.This position is expected to have excellent communication skills and the ability to work positively in a team environment and under difficult conditions when in the field.

Major Responsibilities :

• Organizing and processing acoustic data (manual processing along with designing, testing, and running automated detectors for species present in the New York Bight).
• Characterization and analysis of ambient noise.
• Conduct acoustic analyses to satisfy the project goals.
• Report writing and publications.

Additional opportunities include :

• Assisting with field work activities in the New York Bight collecting marine mammal sightings, photo ID, genetic and tag data.
• Contributing to policy, education, and advocacy initiatives.
• Work actively on current or planned projects on ocean noise, eDNA and synthesis and integration of multiple types of data.
• Familiarity with field deployment of acoustic recording gear and / or telemetry and other assessment methods.

Qualification Requirements

PhD or the equivalent in experience in relevant fields (marine bioacoustics, spatial modeling) or in the process of finishing their PhD and / or have recently completed (are completing) one or more Postdoctoral positions.

Preferred :

• Working with large datasets of long-term acoustic data and spatially explicit data.
• Familiarity with cetacean vocalizations and classification of detected vocalizations to species or taxon group.
• Fluency in the use of Bioacoustics analysis software (such as Raven, Pamguard, Ishmael, etc.).
• Programming skills in R or Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) and other statistical approaches allowing development of standalone analysis tools.
• Automated detection of cetacean vocalizations in large datasets.
• Demonstrated ability to write scientifically and to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Localization of sound sources using an array of recording elements.
• Characterization of ambient noise using established metrics and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to write successful funding proposals for competitive grant opportunities.
• Demonstrate familiarity with current conservation concerns for cetaceans.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race / ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.

It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person's membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.

Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate's individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.