Research Specialist

Job Summary

Job Description

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Biology Department is seeking a Research Specialist for the position of Bycatch Conservationist. This interdisciplinary research position aims to develop a program focused on marine mammal entanglement and bycatch mitigation with a focus on marine mammals in the northeast U.S. This work will expand the current focus of the WHOI Marine Mammal Center to increase the participation of field and lab-based science with advocacy, policy, operational fishing and social science research.

This position requires extensive marine mammal necropsy experience, an understanding of operational fishing practices, community centered relationship building and outreach, human-wildlife conflict and coexistence strategies, and a working understanding of marine mammal policy and management issues at the intersection of fisheries and marine mammals (Take Reduction Team, Fisheries Management Councils, Serious Injury/Mortality designation). A current working relationship with community stakeholders that intersect with fisheries-marine mammal interactions in the northeast U.S. (where the highest prevalence of entanglement of a marine mammal species, gray seals, occurs) is preferred, with an understanding of these issues and research interests at a national and international level.

As part of this position, the applicant will collaborate with the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Woods Hole (NEFSC) Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP) to identify research gaps/areas in need of greater capacity at NEFSC related to ecosystem-based management priorities and fisheries interactions with marine mammals. New samples and historical data will be analyzed to conduct research independently and with collaborators to understand the biology of, biomonitoring, and health of marine mammals, as well as to create strategies to mitigate bycatch. The applicant will also investigate partnerships in marine technology to mitigate and understand marine mammal bycatch. Identifying entities that may be seeking more information on these issues (tribal entities, industry, emerging fisheries and aquaculture endeavors, blue economy intersections) and to share knowledge and understand priorities and interests in marine mammals along the Atlantic coastline, will also be a priority of this effort.

Essential Functions & Duties

• Conduct necropsies of marine mammals and collect biological samples to support archival repositories and ongoing analytical research.

• Design and conduct field surveys in collaboration with regional partners to assess the impacts of fisheries entanglement on local marine mammal populations (e.g., Woods Hole, Shoals and surrounding regions).

• Collaborate with marine mammal stranding networks to evaluate comparative impacts of fisheries and other human activities, integrating findings with bycatch and entanglement data.

• Develop, implement, and evaluate marine conservation strategies through cross-sector partnerships.

• Work directly with fishermen to co-develop practical, operational solutions that reduce bycatch while supporting viable fishing practices.

• Assess how mitigation strategies may be implemented and scaled through regulatory frameworks and policy directives.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research teams to design, test, and implement bycatch mitigation practices and conservation solutions.

• Increase awareness, participation, and shared understanding among local and regional stakeholders, including fishermen, Indigenous partners, researchers, educators, and community organizations.

• Participate in fisheries and marine mammal management meetings and engage with local, regional, and national stakeholder groups.

• Present research findings and participate in regional, national, and international scientific conferences.

• Convene and facilitate meetings, workshops, and community forums to share findings and advance knowledge of marine mammal bycatch and intervention strategies.

• Mentor and supervise students, interns, and early-career researchers focused on bycatch mitigation, fisheries management, and conservation science.

• Integrate human-dimensions research by recognizing and addressing social, economic, and capacity challenges faced by fishermen and conservation practitioners, including conservation grief, trust-building, and community-based science approaches that influence human-wildlife conflict and coexistence.

• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and policy-relevant documentation for diverse audiences.

• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

• Develop creative science communication products (e.g., written content, social media, mapping, data visualizations, imagery) to engage public and non-technical audiences.

• Pursue external funding by preparing grant proposals to support continued research, stakeholder engagement, and conservation initiatives.

Required Experience and Education

• PhD in a relevant discipline with postdoctoral research experience.

• Direct, hands-on operational fishing experience and demonstrated understanding of commercial fishing practices.

• Extensive experience conducting marine mammal necropsies and health assessments, including sample collection and analysis.

• Demonstrated expertise in laboratory- and field-based marine mammal research, including long-term monitoring, stranding response, and bycatch analysis.

• Proven experience developing and implementing marine conservation strategies, particularly related to marine mammal entanglement and fisheries bycatch.

• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in marine mammal science, conservation biology, and/or related interdisciplinary fields.

• Experience integrating social science and human-dimensions research into conservation practice, including community science, stakeholder engagement, and human-wildlife coexistence challenges.

• Formal training and applied experience in facilitation, consensus-building, and coalition building across stakeholder groups with diverse and sometimes competing perspectives (e.g., fishermen, managers, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders).

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to technical, policy, and public audiences.

• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across disciplines and communities.

• Extensive knowledge of local and regional marine mammal conservation issues, including ecological, regulatory, and socio-economic considerations.

• Experience preparing, submitting, and reviewing competitive grant proposals.

Additional Job Requirements

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.