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Research Assistant
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole, Falmouth, MA, USA
Posted on Nov 27, 2024
Job Summary
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Research Assistant to join the Marine Policy Center (MPC). This is a temporary (March 2025-June 2026), part-time (20 hours per week), nonexempt position and is eligible for benefits. The term could be extended if additional funding becomes available. This role can be in person or hybrid (office/home).MPC is seeking a researcher to work with Dr. Marine (Yaqin) Liu on a new project in the field of marine resource economics. The successful candidate will be hired as a Research Assistant at a grade that is commensurate with their level of training and experience. This person will take the lead of implementing analytical and statistical tests on hypotheses formed around fishing behavior using multiple data sets. Prior experience in data analysis with Matlab, Wolfram Alpha, Maxima or other mathematical software is required. Experience with data visualization is preferred. Candidates should have acquired skills in statistics, mathematics, and data science.
Dr. Liu’s group focuses on the study of the coupled social-ecological systems. Projects involve developing novel methods in detecting climatic impacts in species stock distribution, applying machine learning models in predicting fishing activities, and deploying statistical tests on changes in ways that human-beings exploit natural resources both on the regional and the global scale.
Job Description
The successful applicant will learn a novel method developed by Dr. Liu in detecting collective human behavioral changes in annual harvest and apply this method to data collected from three countries, the United States, Iceland, and Norway. The individual will conduct data cleaning, coding and running the tests to produce tests results and assist with drafting a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The individual may also be asked to join data work from other ongoing projects. Strong communication skills, effective time management, ability to work independently, and attention to details are essential.
Essential Functions & Duties
Preparing and learning groundfish management in studied countries
Cleaning and learning fisheries data from studied regions
Produce preliminary visualization of fisheries observational data
Learn and implement the behavioral testing method
Contribute to preparation of annual reports, scientific publications, research proposals, and documentation of methods and procedures
Required Experience & Education
B.S. in Statistics, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related fields and relevant experience including:
Research experience in data-driven research, empirical studies, and/or statistics
Excellent written, verbal, and quantitative skills
Familiarity with at least one coding language in mathematics
Preferred Experience & Education
M.S. in Statistics, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Science
Ability to understand and analyze statistics
Experience with data visualization and analysis tools
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in small teams
Additional Job Requirements
The internal working title for this position could be either Research Assistant I or Research Assistant II. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience.
RA I: With close supervision, uses established methodological procedures to perform prescribed research tasks determined by the scope of individual research projects.
RA II: With some supervision, employs established methodological procedures to conduct research tasks determined by the scope of individual research projects.
Online applications should be submitted with a cover letter describing background and research interests, a complete curriculum vitae, and three reference letters. Applications will be reviewed upon submission.
Physical Requirements
Physical duties for this position would include working in an office setting, occasional prolonged standing/sitting and possible travel to national or international meetings. Other physical tasks include use of hands for basic /fine grasping and manipulation, repetitive motion, and reaching above and below the shoulders. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around and with others in an office environment. Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs may be needed. Physical duties are subject to change.
Special Requirements
AMA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) be required prior to employment.
Affirmative Action/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.