[Coral-List] Postdoctoral position: Marine Conservation in the Bahamas

[Rebecca Gericke]

JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM

CONSERVATION POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH/TEACHING ASSOCIATE

Marine Conservation in the Bahamas



Position length: Three year appointment

 Application deadline: October 11, or until suitable candidate is
found

Salary: $50,000 per year plus benefits

Annual budget: up to $25,000, with additional dedicated and opportunistic
uses of Shedd’s 80-foot research vessel, *Coral Reef II*



Position summary:


The John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois is seeking candidates for a
postdoctoral teaching and research position focusing on marine ecology in
the Bahamas. The selected candidate will be lead instructor for a Marine
and Island 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, 4-credit hour course is capped at 20 students
and includes two eight-day practical field experiences in the Bahamas
aboard Shedd’s research vessel, *Coral Reef II*. The course is over the
spring semester and the field component is in May. The successful candidate
would be responsible for re-developing the existing course and field
component, teaching the course, and managing logistics.


The candidate is also responsible for developing a research program that
focuses on Nassau Grouper. Preference will be given to projects that
investigate reproductive biology, movement patterns and population
connectivity, and/or larval dispersal. A program that involves local
stakeholders in design and implementation is preferred. Research is
expected to be multifaceted, inform resource managers, and advance
conservation and sustainable practices.

The selected associate is expected to use approaches that may include 1)
conducting research to determine the biological requirements critical for
species and habitats, 2) evaluating the efficacy of current species
management efforts and analyzing how management may be adapted to better
meet conservation objectives, and 3) partner with Bahamian stakeholders so
that they have a greater role in studying, assessing, and managing their
resources. The associate is expected to work closely with management
agencies such as the Bahamas Department of Marine Resources and the Bahamas
National Trust. Research involvement with other Shedd departments (e.g.
Animal Health, Fishes) is advantageous. The associate is also expected to
participate in relevant workshops, present seminars at various venues, and
to publish their data in a timely fashion.

The candidate will be co-supervised by Dr. Chuck Knapp, Vice President of
Conservation and Research, at Shedd Aquarium and by Dr. Craig Dahlgren,
Senior Research Scientist, Perry Institute for Marine Science.


Qualifications:

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in ecology, marine science, natural resource
management, zoology, or related field. The position requires strong
scientific research skills, database management, 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. SCUBA
certification is required.



To apply:

Please send a curriculum vitae, and a letter (maximum length 2000 words)
describing your background, experiences and proposed research ideas. Please
also provide names and contact information for three references. The
letter, CV, and reference information should be sent to Sarah Dietz (
jobs at sheddaquarium.org). To discuss the specifics of this position contact
Dr. Chuck Knapp (cknapp at sheddaquarium.org).





Rebecca Gericke

Conservation and Research Programs Manager

Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research

John G. Shedd Aquarium

p 312.692.2744

f 312.939.4312

www.sheddaquarium.org



Shedd Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and
the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.