Hi MARMAM community, I am seeking a Faculty Research Assistant to work in my research lab (The GEMM Lab) within the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University based in Newport, Oregon. https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab
This position will support multiple aspects of research activities, field operations, and lab management. Primary duties: * Operate small boat (e.g., RHIB, Zodiac) around cetaceans for ecological data collection * Perform routine maintenance tasks on research vessel, truck, and trailer, and coordinates specialized maintenance and repairs as needed * Conduct marine mammal survey observations aboard US Coast Guard helicopters and mid-size and large research vessels * Oversight of equipment (cameras, drones, sensors, etc.) maintenance, storage, organization * Data management and sample storage/archiving * Process and organize photo-ID images Secondary duties: * Assist with data analysis (e.g., photo-ID, drone imagery, environmental data) * Data entry into database * Lead and participate in lab outreach activities * Lab management duties such as ordering supplies, shipping, meeting organization * Support implementation of lab and field health and safety procedures * Assist with permit and project reporting * Reconciliation of expenditures Required Skills: * Experience as a marine mammal observer * Significant experience as a small boat driver around cetaceans * Experience in ecological data collection methods, such as one or more of the following: cetacean photo-ID, behavioral observations, prey sampling, drone operations, suction-cup tagging, biopsy, and passive and active acoustics * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail * Clear, honest communication skills * Ability and willingness to work occasional long days in the field when the weather is right, which may include weekends and holidays * A bachelor's degree combined with 2+ years of research experience * Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment and maintain a constructive and positive research culture. * Valid U.S. driver's license with the ability to tow small boats on trailers * Boating safety certification, or ability to obtain certification shortly after hire. Oregon State University offers the Scientific Boating Safety Association (SBSA) Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC). * Experience using R programming for data wrangling, organization, visualization, and statistical analysis Preferred skills: * A Master's degree in the natural sciences * Experience using Microsoft Access, ArcGIS, and/or Matlab * Record of scientific publication as lead or co-author * Experience conducting photo-ID analysis (matching) of cetaceans * Demonstrated success of working on several concurrent projects and adapting to shifting priorities and deadlines * Experience maintaining and/or contributing to long-term ecological datasets This position may be offered as full-time year-round, full-time seasonal (May-October), or part-time year-round, depending on the qualifications and preferences of the selected candidate. A competitive salary and benefits package will be provided, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. We welcome applications from non-U.S. citizens who hold a valid work visa or are eligible to obtain one. To apply, please submit a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience, and a resume or curriculum vitae to https://oregonstate.wd501.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/OSU_Careers_Site/job/Faculty-Research-Assistant--Marine-Mammal-Institute-GEMM-Lab_JR0001383 by December 15th. The anticipated start date is April 15, 2027. I will be attending the SMM conference in Puerto Rico and welcome the opportunity to meet with interested candidates - please reach out to schedule a time: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Leigh Torres, Ph.D. Endowed Trophic Ecology Professor in the Marine Mammal Institute Professor, Oregon State University The Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab (GEMM Lab) Oregon Sea Grant; Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365, U.S.A 541-867-0895; [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Website<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab> Blog<http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/gemmlab/> Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/gemm_lab/> Recent publications: Pirotta, E., L. New, A. Fernandez Ajó, K.C. Bierlich, C.N. Bird, C.L. Buck, L. Hildebrand, K.E. Hunt, J. Calambokidis, and L.G. Torres, Body size, nutritional state and endocrine state are associated with calving probability in a long-lived marine species. Journal of Animal Ecology, 2025. 00: p. 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.70068 Hildebrand, L., L. New, E. Pirotta, J.D. Stewart, I. Hildebrand, C. Newell, K.C. Bierlich, C.N. Bird, A. Fernandez Ajó, D. Turek, and L.G. Torres, Bayesian Estimation of Individual Gray Whale Space Use Reveals Differential Exposure to Stressors. Ecology and Evolution, 2025. 15(5): p. e71330. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71330 Derville, S., J. Calambokidis, D. Palacios, J. Tackaberry, C. Hayslip, K. Flynn, L. New, C. Baker, D. Steel, K. Martien, J. Moore, M. Lauf, L. Wickman, A. Wall, C. Newell, and L. Torres, Rates of entanglement inferred from scarring prevalence of humpback whales photographed in US Oregon waters. Endangered Species Research, 2025. 57: p. 253-271. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01416 [cid:[email protected]][cid:[email protected]]
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