RF Aquatic Biologist- Lake Erie - SUNY Oswego

SUNY Oswego•Oswego, NY

69d•$58,459 - $69,107

About The Position

The Research Foundation of the State of New York seeks to hire an aquatic or fish biologist to participate in, develop, and implement research focused on informing the restoration and conservation of native fishes in New York State waters. Work will be driven by the native fish restoration goals of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and its partners. The position will be affiliated with SUNY Oswego, with the primary duty station being flexible based on project needs and the candidate's location. However, it will involve close collaboration with scientists at various state and federal facilities, such as the USGS' Tunison Laboratory of Aquatic Science in Cortland, the Lake Ontario Biological Station, the NYSDEC Lake Erie Research Unit in Dunkirk, and other partner hatcheries and laboratories. Research topics will vary based on NYSDEC priorities and can span a wide range of issues critical to native species restoration. Examples of potential research projects include evaluating the success of stocking programs, identifying key habitats for sensitive life stages, assessing the impacts of environmental stressors, or developing novel monitoring techniques for rare or elusive species. The Research Foundation (RF) at the State University of New York at Oswego invites applications for a full-time RF Aquatic Biologist to join our team. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to critical conservation and restoration efforts for native fish populations in Lake Erie, working collaboratively with leading federal and state agencies. While this position is affiliated with the SUNY Oswego campus, it is a Research Foundation position, not a New York State position.

Requirements

The successful applicant must have a Master's degree in biology, fisheries, ecology, or a related field; OR a Bachelor's degree in a related field with at least two years of relevant post-degree professional experience.
The applicant must have experience with aquatic field sampling, possess strong written and oral communication skills, and have a demonstrated ability to learn and apply standard software programs for data entry, management, and analysis.

Nice To Haves

A strong candidate would have a demonstrated record of scientific writing (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, technical reports) and experience with one or more of the following: experimental design, fish culture techniques, molecular ecology methods (e.g., eDNA, qPCR, metabarcoding), statistical analysis and programming (particularly in R), and trailering and operating research vessels.
Experience mentoring or leading field/lab technicians is also desirable.

Responsibilities

Conducting and leading research to inform the restoration and conservation of native fish populations, driven by the goals of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
Collaborative research topics can include developing or applying new restoration and management practices aimed at increasing the success of stocked fish and rehabilitating wild populations.
Designing and executing both laboratory and field-based experiments to address key knowledge gaps in native fish restoration.
Laboratory work may focus on characterizing the morphology and behavior of hatchery-reared and wild fish, or it could involve processing samples for genetic analysis and developing novel molecular assays (e.g., eDNA/eRNA) to infer metrics of success like spawning activity.
Field studies will be a significant component, focusing on evaluating habitat suitability and assessing potential restoration sites.
Effectively, this project will monitor native species and restoration outcomes by integrating a range of techniques. We will use traditional methods like trawling and gillnetting, innovative sampling of early life stages, and advanced tools such as molecular surveillance (eDNA/eRNA) and acoustic telemetry (e.g., GLATOS).
Completing necessary training, strictly following safety procedures, and adhering to fundamental scientific practices.
Participating in or leading collaborative field teams comprised of tribal scientists, federal technicians, student contractors, and other partners.
Ability to trailer and operate boats up to 26 feet long.
Laboratory duties may include processing biological and habitat samples, including the extraction and analysis of eDNA/eRNA.
Use standard software programs to enter, manage, and analyze data under the guidance of SUNY Oswego and USGS scientists
Write peer-reviewed scientific reports and present research results at partner and public science meetings.
Contribute to these efforts and possess communication and interpersonal skills necessary to engage effectively with an increasingly diverse community of students and colleagues.