Aquaculture Scientist

The Nature Conservancy•Arlington, IN

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Aquaculture Scientist provides technical and scientific support and leadership for The Nature Conservancy’s Global Aquaculture Program, which works in more than a dozen countries and has a vision of a world where aquaculture is the leading nature-positive food system. They assess marine and freshwater aquaculture systems and farming species with the aim of improving the sustainability and performance of production in key sectors and geographies. They develop reports, publications, and decision support tools, work closely with industry and government, and support the methodological development of science-based approaches that enable aquaculture to be a low environmental impact sector and/or generate environmental and social co-benefits through regenerative and restorative practices. The Aquaculture Scientist analyzes and manages ecological, industry, and socio-economic data from a wide range of sources and databases, including remotely sensed and field data. In collaboration with other programs in The Nature Conservancy and external partners, they process these data using ArcGIS or other software (e.g., Python, R Studio), generating unique information that assists in understanding the suitability, performance, and sustainability of aquaculture systems and species across local, regional, national, and global scales. Using their knowledge of data processing, they contribute to developing decision-support tools for government and industry and automating data analysis and modelling. They write technical reports and peer-reviewed publications, and they participate in science forums. They also write funding proposals and support the administration of aquaculture initiatives within the Provide Food and Water Business Unit, working closely with staff and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. The position includes travel, both internationally and to remote areas, to visit project sites, support data collection or ground-truthing, meet with partners, and present the results of their work. This position reports to the Senior Aquaculture Scientist within The Nature Conservancy’s Global Aquaculture Program. It is a temporary remote role (12 months with potential for extension). The position can be based in any country where TNC is registered as a nonprofit organization and an established employer.

Requirements

Master's Degree in science related field and 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and/or aquaculture production systems and species.
Experience leading and working with cross functional teams.
Experience synthesizing, interpreting and communicating scientific information.
Experience preparing reports of findings.
Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
Strong communication skills, including written and verbal communication formats.

Nice To Haves

Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Strong knowledge of common software applications.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Record of peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals.

Responsibilities

Collate and process data to assess the environmental impact of aquaculture and the suitability of systems and practices.
Use ArcGIS or other software (e.g., Python, R Studio) to organize, analyze, and communicate data and develop decision-support tools.
Develop conceptual and methodological approaches to improve the efficiency of data workflows and analyses.
Prepare technical reports and peer review publications.
Prepare funding proposals or grant applications and contribute to fundraising materials.
Administer science projects in collaboration with other programs and external stakeholders.
Communicate results and science projects in forums, workshops, and conferences.
Manage grants, contracts, or requests for proposals.
Travel, including internationally and to remote locations.