Position Announcement

Animal Telemetry Postdoctoral Fellow

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC)

Starting salary: $69,923 plus benefits (This is NOT a Federal position)

The Smithsonian Institution seeks an energetic, field- and data-oriented biologist to support marine animal telemetry research focused on fish migrations in Chesapeake Bay. The position is based in SERC’s Fisheries Conservation Lab, led by Dr. Matt Ogburn, and is based in Edgewater, MD. It is a one-year renewable position with two years of funding anticipated. This is a full-time position with a comprehensive benefits package, and requires occasional travel.

The fellow will contribute to field research and data analysis for a multi-species acoustic telemetry study of fish and invertebrate ecology and connectivity. In the first year, the postdoc will lead field research capturing and tagging three fish species with different life histories (likely river herring, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel) and assist with analyses of existing data for other species. Additional opportunities involve engaging in the Smithsonian-led Movement of Life initiative, integrating telemetry studies with habitat restoration in Chesapeake Bay, and long-term monitoring of fish and invertebrate communities.

The position requires a Doctoral degree in Biology, Marine Science, or related field and demonstrated experience in animal telemetry research (experience with acoustic telemetry of teleost fish preferred). The applicant must be detail-oriented, responsible, and prepared to work in challenging field conditions (working on boats, hot and cold days, handling marine animals). Competent data entry and management skills are required (management and analysis of acoustic telemetry data using R preferred). Practical knowledge of field research procedures and biology and taxonomy of marine organisms, including tagging animals for acoustic telemetry studies, is preferred. Experience engaging with diverse fisheries stakeholders preferred.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact WattC@si.edu or CoyleB@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.

Apply at https://trustcareers.si.edu/postings/cd792ee9-758d-42ab-aa8e-13c1a509157f, including providing a CV and cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position. Review of applications will begin on 20 May 2025 until the position is filled. Anticipated start date August/September 2025.