Honolulu, HI
DUTIES: Designs and develops scientific sampling and strategic research plans for conducting life history research on commercially valuable coral reef fish and deep-water bottomfish. Leads and conducts laboratory-based life history research to derive data on fish age and growth, life span, and reproductive maturity. Performs statistical analysis of data to derive and provide life history parameter estimates in support of stock assessment and management efforts of fisheries in Hawai‘i and the U.S. Pacific Territories. Develops oral and technical written reports of life history research and related analyses. Publishes research findings in technical reports and peer-reviewed scientific literature, and presents results to scientists, managers, the public, and other stakeholders. Writes proposals for research funding and provides laboratory research guidance to Life History Program staff and graduate students on life history studies. Participates on scientific cruises aboard NOAA research vessels. Coordinates life history bio-sampling projects in the U.S. Pacific Territories, and provides scientific guidance and advice on sampling protocols and species selection. Cooperates closely with partners in local, national, and international research institutions and agencies to build and maintain strong collaborative relationships. Provides leadership and expertise in the U.S. Pacific Territorial jurisdictions to improve local technical capacity to process and evaluate life history samples.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING: PhD from an accredited college or university in Marine Biology, Zoology, Marine Ecology, Fishery Science, or related field involving life history studies of coral reef fish. (Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Marine Ecology, Zoology, Marine Biology or Fishery Science with five (5) years of relevant work experience in coral reef fish ecology may substitute for a PhD).
EXPERIENCE: Three to five (3-5) years of experience in reef fish life history research that involved investigations utilizing thin-sectioned otolith and gonad histology-based methodologies. Experience training and leading field sampling collections and life history growth and reproductive studies. Experience using advanced statistical procedures. Experience with carrying life history research projects to completion and publishing results. Demonstrated publication record in refereed journals, including first authorship. Experience at-sea aboard large research or small vessels for extended period.
ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Working knowledge of sampling theory, experimental design, growth curve and logistic function model fitting, multivariate statistics, and other advanced statistical procedures for data analyses. Working knowledge of biological and ecological processes and the role of habitat in the coral reef marine environment. Knowledge and understanding of principles and practices in the fields of life history theory, biometrics, fish ecology, habitat ecology, and fisheries science. Knowledge of and ability to identify Indo-Pacific coral reef fish species. Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and graphing software. Must be able to meet and maintain the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access work location. Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien. Proficiency with R or other advanced statistical software packages. Proficiency with using advanced statistical and analytical procedures, including growth function model fitting, logistic function regression, multivariate analysis, spatial analysis, and other quantitative techniques relevant to the analyses of life history data. Proficiency with basic office productivity software tools (word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software). Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills to write scientific manuscripts and technical reports, and to make presentations that are suitable for a range of audiences. Must possess strong interpersonal skills to work with principal investigators, researchers, members of the fishing industry and U.S. Pacific Territorial partners and stakeholders. Ability to lead, train and supervise research assistants/colleagues in life history-related laboratory protocols and sample preparations. Skilled at otolith extraction, production mounting techniques for preparing high quality sagittal otolith thin-sections, and ability to accurately interpret annual/daily growth increments. Must possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills necessary to supervise staff. Ability to coordinate and work with U.S. Pacific Territorial agencies and partners concerned with research, the fishing industry, and management to maintain good working relationships. Proven ability to write scientific reports and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Must possess good free diving skills, including ability to free-dive to at least 20 feet to collect whole fish samples using a Hawaiian sling and/or spear gun. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to meet and maintain the US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements for working in a federal facility, which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed prior to date of hire and maintained throughout duration of employment. Must be able to obtain and maintain boat operator certification within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout period duration of employment. Must be able to complete NOAA small boat coxswain training.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain NOAA Medical Clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels, which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations, and maintain throughout duration of employment. Ability to work for long hours, outdoors at various captive facilities and remote locations with high exposure to sunlight, aboard research vessels and aboard small boats (15-20’) in coastal and oceanic waters. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of scientific equipment, gear, and supplies.
POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies and procedures. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).
SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: Familiarity with coral reef environment and organisms, particularly Indo-Pacific fish species. Experience handling small boats. Experience participating in cruises on large vessels. Additional experience in life history research established through a more extensive record of publication. Experience coordinating with partner agencies/institutions in the U.S. Pacific Territories concerned with the fisheries and management of reef fish species.
INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru-Yoza 956-5018 (Oahu).
You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Supervisory References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_employment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344 or (808)956-0872.
Get Involved. Join Conservation Connections.
