Position Summary

Serve as a scientist in support of the Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System (GLATOS) project focused on analyses of telemetry data from acoustic-tagged lake sturgeon inhabiting the interconnecting waterways between Lake Erie and Lake Huron. Highest priority will be the analysis and publication of acoustic telemetry data.  Direct line supervision will be provided by Dr. Chris Vandergoot within the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University (MSU) and collaboratively with Dr. Darryl Hondorp at the U.S. Geological Survey - Great Lakes Science Center (Ann Arbor).

Primary responsibilities:  Conduct independent research investigating ecological, behavioral, and reproductive differences of lake sturgeon in the Laurentian Great Lakes.  Integrate research findings into a coherent annual ethogram of lake sturgeon behavior in the Great Lakes, focused on spawning, summer feeding, and overwintering periods.  Communicate research findings and theories through peer-reviewed journals and oral presentations at scientific meetings.  Collect, maintain, and analyze large acoustic telemetry, environmental, and geospatial data sets.  Subset large, geocoded data sets to support specific analyses.  Make application of the results of scientific research to management of Lake Sturgeon in the Laurentian Great Lakes.  Assist with field work involving deployment and recovery of acoustic receivers and fish tagging.  Assist with the coordination of research projects among federal, provincial, state, and tribal agencies and cooperators at U.S. and Canadian universities.  Communicate management applications through presentations to provincial, state, and tribal fishery managers through oral presentations such as at Lake Committee Meetings and through outreach publications.  Provide support to other GLATOS scientists, including but not limited to statistical analysis, experimental design consultation, and field operations, and other duties as directed.  Assist with planning and execution of annual GLATOS coordination meetings as requested by the director. 

Work environment:  This position is 80% office work, 20% field work. Field work on the Great Lakes and tributaries will require physical capabilities to work for extended periods of time under harsh environmental conditions including extremes in temperature, rain, and snow. Field work on lakes and rivers will involve working from small vessels (length < 26-ft.) and research ships.

Duty location:  Work location will be at the Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -ecology, fisheries, aquatic sciences or

Minimum Requirements

Incumbent must have a broad background in behavior, ecology, and aquatic sciences.  Incumbent must have a broad understanding of the reproductive biology, behavior, and ecology of vertebrates, and must be knowledgeable in related other scientific disciplines (e.g., fisheries, fish biology/ecology, marine/aquatic ecology).  Incumbent must be able to demonstrate the ability to synthesize, integrate, and apply this knowledge toward the resolution of management and conservation issues. Incumbent must have a proven record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals and providing oral presentations at regional and international scientific meetings.  

Must possess the ability to pass certification tests for driving state- and federal-owned trucks, as well as physical exams necessary for obtaining authorization to work aboard federally owned research vessels.

Incumbent must have knowledge of standard data management software (Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, PostgreSQL) and demonstrate the ability to use the R programming language to manipulate and visualize spatially- and temporally indexed data.  Experience with using commercially available GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) valuable but not necessary.

The ideal incumbent will have advanced knowledge and experience in the maintenance and use of acoustic telemetry equipment. 

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate would have knowledge about fishery science and biology of fishes, and specifically about lake sturgeon, combined with an extensive knowledge concerning the fisheries of the Great Lakes, the problems impeding their management, and the interests and objectives of agencies that manage the fishery resource.  

Incumbent should have experience in the operation of boats and be knowledgeable in water safety. SCUBA diver certification preferred.

Required Application Materials

Letter of interest  and vita

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

HammondBay Biological Station:  Operated by USGS.  Four scientists study fish behavior using acoustic telemetry.  Links http://www.glfc.org/eforum/article10.html; http://www.glsc.usgs.gov/content/hammond-bay-biological-station; http://www.glsc.usgs.gov/sites/default/files/infosheets/HBBS20150818.pdf 

Review of Applications Begins On

01/03/2023

Website

WWW.FW.MSU.EDU

Department Statement

Department Mission Statement:

To build local, national, and international capacities to conserve ecosystems that support fish, wildlife, and society through integrated programs in research, education, and engagement.

Diversity and Inclusion: We believe a diverse, inclusive working and learning environment enriches the department and fosters innovation in teaching, research, and engagement with partners and the public.

Integrity and Professionalism: We expect all members of the department to uphold the highest ethical standards in our work and personal conduct, with shared responsibility and accountability. We act in keeping with our values, mission, and vision.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

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About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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