JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM
RESEARCH BIOLOGIST AND INSTRUCTOR

Position type: Full-time staff

Application deadline: Review of applications begins 9 December 2015, and 
will remain open until filled.  Please see: 
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/About-Us/Jobs-Internships-and-
Volunteering/Jobs/                                                              
                             

Annual research/outreach budget: up to $20,000 per year

Position summary:                                                               
                                                                             
The John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois is seeking candidates for a 
full time research and teaching position focusing on freshwater ecology in 
the Great Lakes region. The selected candidate is responsible for developing 
and executing an applied research project focusing on Great Lakes fishes, 
with special emphasis on migration and movement patterns. Research using the 
aquarium facilities of the Conservation Research Department is encouraged, 
as well as using other existing Shedd assets when appropriate. Some outreach 
effort (e.g. Great Lakes FishFinder app) is also expected.

Responsibilities will also include serving as lead instructor for a 
Freshwater Ecology class offered through the Associated Colleges of the 
Chicago Area (ACCA). ACCA is a consortium of 15 private liberal arts 
colleges, founded to promote cooperation in education and training in the 
sciences. The semester-long, 3-credit hour course is offered in the fall 
with a required field component. The successful candidate would be 
responsible for developing lecture material, organizing field excursions, 
teaching the course, and managing associated logistics. 

Additional responsibilities include:
•       Partner with regional academic and agency researchers to coordinate 
and collaborate on priority research topics. Shedd has particularly strong 
ties with the Center for Limnology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, 
and joint research and outreach projects are encouraged (e.g. migratory fish 
studies; World Fish Migration Day outreach events)

•       Manage budget and logistics for own Great Lakes research project(s) 
and Freshwater Ecology course

•       Work with other Shedd staff to ensure smooth functioning of all 
logistical and practical aspects of the course

•       Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals

•       Publicize research activities and results through blogs, tweets, and 
other social media in accordance with Shedd Public Relations guidelines

•       Work closely with the Shedd Development team (and potentially 
outside collaborators) to write grants to support research project(s)

•       Work with other Shedd departments as needed to enhance Shedd 
programming (e.g., Learning programs, Development and Marketing initiatives)
The candidate will be supervised by Shedd’s Vice President of Conservation 
Research in close collaboration with Dr. Peter McIntyre in the Center for 
Limnology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in biology, ecology, zoology, or other 
environmental science fields.  The position requires strong scientific 
research skills, teaching experience, and ability to communicate at an 
academic and general-public level. Experience with grant acquisition, and 
publishing in peer-reviewed and general outlets is expected. Applicants must 
have a real interest in interdisciplinary applied science and have the 
ability to work independently and under limited supervision. Willingness to 
obtain Wilderness First Aid certification is required.    

To apply:                                                                       
                                                                                
            
Please see http://www.sheddaquarium.org/About-Us/Jobs-Internships-and-
Volunteering/Jobs/
Application will consist of a cover letter (maximum length 1000 words) 
summarizing your background, teaching experience, and research interests; a 
curriculum vitae; a brief synopsis of research ideas addressing Great Lakes 
fish migrations/movement (maximum length 1000 words); and pdfs of two 
papers/manuscripts. Please also provide names and contact information for 
three references. These materials should be sent to Megan Rachal 
([email protected]). To discuss the specifics of this position contact 
Dr. Chuck Knapp ([email protected]) or Dr. Peter McIntyre 
([email protected]).

Reply via email to