Research Analyst

Working at the direction of the Chief Scientist, the Research Analyst is
responsible for contributing to ongoing research projects through data
collection, data management, statistical analyses and writing reports and
manuscripts for publication. In addition to quantitative work, the analyst
is expected to participate in boat-based surveys with a team of biologists.
Data collection takes place primarily in Hawaii but temporary assignments
in other locations may arise.

This is a full time, overtime exempt position based at our headquarters on
the island of Maui. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the
U.S.A.

RESPONSIBILITIES

   - Fulfill the mission and vision of Pacific Whale Foundation by
   conducting appropriate and relevant research and conservation programs
   under the guidance of senior research staff;
   - Analyses: high proficiency in R with ability to analyze and manage
   long-term datasets;
   - Data collection: operate small vessels, locate cetaceans, take
   photographs for photo-identification, record data;
   - Data processing: upload data, enter data, match flukes and fins, map
   sightings, quality control data sets, archive historical data;
   - Literature: read and review pertinent literature to inform analyses
   and study design;
   - Writing: scientific writing in a manner suitable for peer-reviewed
   journal articles and writing for a general audience, including blog and
   social media posts;
   - General: maintain and clean the boat and research equipment;
   - Software: design and implement data management, organization, and
   analysis using the software R, ArcGIS, Discovery, Access, MARK, MatLab,
   and/or SOCPROG;
   - Maintain and set up research equipment, including DSLR cameras, UAVs,
   ROVs, and more;
   - Partake in community outreach to communicate research findings and/or
   give informative presentations to a general audience;
   - Assistance with development and fundraising efforts;
   - Supervision of volunteers and/or interns;
   - Training of staff and/or interns on equipment use, data processing and
   management;
   - Further duties may be assigned as necessary according to the needs and
   requirements of the Research Department.

REQUIREMENTS

   - Thesis-based M.Sc. in a relevant field and at least 3 years of
   experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
   - Advanced analytical skills with proven abilities in managing,
   analyzing and interpreting scientific data;
   - Intermediate or advanced proficiency in R;
   - Data analysis and mapping using GIS software (e.g. ArcMAP);
   - Proven ability to conduct statistical analyses used in marine mammal
   science including but not limited to Distance sampling,
   Capture-Mark-Recapture, Markov chains, association indices;
   - Excellent knowledge of database management and statistical software,
   with required proficiency in: R, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Access;
   - Proven ability to write peer-reviewed journal articles;
   - Have the mental and physical stamina to endure long days on a boat
   under intense sunlight while collecting data in accordance with rigorous
   sampling protocols;
   - Excellent organizational and technological skills (eg. database
   management) and the ability to troubleshoot problems;
   - Experience piloting UAVs (preferred);
   - Experience in MatLab (preferred);
   - Experience navigating small vessels near cetaceans (preferred);
   - Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.A.

*The above information on this description has been designed to indicate
the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this
classification.  It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory,
or all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned
to this job.  Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete
information in this description at any time.  *

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your CV and a cover letter to: applications@pacificwhale.org with
the subject line 'Research Analyst Application'. No phone calls or
drop-ins, please.