Bioacoustics Ecologist

The Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) seeks a conscientious, detail-oriented, and methodical scientist to lead bioacoustics research and monitoring projects to inform wildlife ecology and conservation, with a focus on offshore wind and biodiversity assessments for our non-profit organization in Portland, ME. We are a scientific nonprofit group dedicated to environmental research and monitoring that supports the protection of biodiversity and ecological health. BRI’s mission is to assess emerging threats to wildlife and ecosystems through collaborative research, and to use scientific findings to advance environmental awareness and inform decision makers. Successful candidates must possess a genuine interest in supporting BRI’s mission and a strong desire to be part of a dynamic and purpose-driven work environment.

The Bioacoustics Ecologist will help lead the Wildlife Remote Acoustic and Imagery Lab (WRAIL) and will support a range of bioacoustics projects within BRI’s research teams, including its Center for Conservation and Climate Change, Applied Ecology and Renewable Energy (AERE) group, and the Center for Research on Offshore Wind and the Environment (CROWE). These are growing, collaborative programs dedicated to conducting innovative environmental research in both terrestrial and offshore environments and applying findings to the conservation of natural resources. Specifically, the position will focus on designing, implementing, and managing wildlife monitoring studies in the US and internationally using bioacoustics approaches, with a focus on birds and bats. The position will also require overseeing a team of acoustic technicians, managing large data sets and working with acoustic classifiers to analyze data. The candidate may work on a range of other projects as well, based on his or her skills and experience and as time allows.

Responsibilities:

• Co-lead the Wildlife Remote Acoustic and Imagery Lab (WRAIL);
• Develop and lead bioacoustics monitoring studies focused on birds and bats;
• Oversee the processing and analysis of acoustic data from bird and bat surveys using statistical software, machine learning, or specialized acoustic analysis programs (e.g., Nighthawk);
• Develop or refine bioacoustics monitoring technologies and methodologies;
• Interpret acoustic signals to study animal behavior, population dynamics, or environmental impacts;
• Manage the testing, calibration, and deployment of acoustic recording equipment;
• Oversee management of large acoustic databases of current and previous projects;
• Develop proposals and reports related to bioacoustics studies;
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
• Present research at conferences, seminars, and workshops;
• Train and mentor team members in acoustic processing;
• Stay updated on advances in bioacoustics tools and techniques;
• Work independently and in teams;
• Conduct other duties as directed or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

• Master’s in Ecology, Animal Behavior, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or equivalent field
• Extensive experience in bioacoustics research, including fieldwork and data analysis
• Strong proficiency in R coding or another coding platform
• Proficiency with specialized acoustic analysis programs to process large acoustic datasets (e.g., Nighthawk)
• Experience working with bioacoustics hardware, including ARUs and/or hydrophones
• Demonstrate a high level of organization, attention to detail, initiative, and oral and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders and collaborators
• Strong interest in working in wildlife conservation and research with public and private entities
• Strong scientific and technical communication skills;
• Strong work ethic and ability to effectively prioritize and address needs as they arise;
• Capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively with a project team;

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Ecology, Animal Behavior, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or equivalent field
• Skilled in using machine learning to analyze large acoustic datasets
• Experience integrating acoustic data with other data forms to build spatial models
• Ability to identify birds by sound
• Experience operating drones
• Experience working outside of the US
• A strong publication record
• Experience supervising and mentoring others
• Knowledge of biodiversity monitoring through soundscape analyses

Compensation and Employee Benefits: Salary is dependent on education and experience; refer to the GS pay scale as an approximate guide. BRI offers a fully paid employee health insurance premium, optional dependent coverage, dental, LTD, life insurance, 401k with match, and generous paid PTO and holidays. Costs associated with work travel are reimbursed.

Term of Position: This is a full-time (40 hrs/week), salaried, at-will position. A performance assessment will be conducted after 1 year of employment. Preference for candidates to be based at BRI’s Canco Road office in Portland, Maine; a hybrid work scenario may be possible subject to management’s discretion.