Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.
CIMAR PIFSC MARINE TURTLE ECOLOGY ASSISTANT RESEARCHER – ID# 226477.
CLOSING DATE: August 19, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru-Yoza 808-956-5018 (Oahu).
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (CIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $6,700 - $7,500/Mon.
DUTIES: Leads the analysis, modeling, summarizing, and interpretation of kinship and demographic data to develop a cutting-edge Close-Kin Mark-Recapture (CKMR) framework for sea turtles. Joining a pioneering multi-center collaboration between the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC), and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, develops a new robust, "genomic tag" population model to estimate abundance for the threatened Central North Pacific green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Prepares scientific manuscripts, technical reports, non-technical synopses, training materials, and standard operating procedure documentation summarizing results of these analyses. Presents findings at meetings and workshops. May attend and/or lead committees/teams for population assessments. May lead, plan, and conduct field work, including participation in research cruises. May collect data on marine turtles (or other marine species) population dynamics, including basic biology and ecology (terrestrial and in-water). Maintains and/or oversees data, including database management. Field work may require working at remote locations, snorkeling, marine turtle in-water captures, capturing and restraining of wildlife, remote camping, working overnight, working on or be transported via watercraft including small boats, NOAA research ships, or NOAA contracted vessels.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION
PhD from an accredited college or university in Quantitative Ecology, Population Dynamics, Statistics, Fisheries, Biology, Marine Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field of study.
EXPERIENCE
Up to one (0-1) year of experience analyzing large complex datasets and using advanced statistical and modeling procedures to understand marine turtle (or other wildlife) population dynamics. Experience developing and executing research project work plans. Experience producing technical reports.
KNOWLEDGE
Working knowledge of Close-Kin Mark-Recapture (CKMR) models and coding in R or other relevant programs (e.g., Python, C++, etc.). Knowledge of population abundance models.
ABILITIES & SKILLS
Must be able to meet and maintain the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access work location. Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien. Ability to program and develop analytical routines in R. Skill in using mapping programs and applying statistical methods. Strong background and demonstrated ability in statistical analysis and data visualization using R software or ArcGIS. Proficiency with basic office productivity software tools (word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software). Demonstrated ability to wrote and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills to contribute to scientific publications, and to develop and communicate presentations suitable for a range of audiences. Must possess strong interpersonal skills to work with researchers, resource managers, and administrators. Must be able to meet U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements for working in a Federal facility, which includes being fingerprinted and having a Federal background check performed prior to date of hire and maintained throughout duration of employment. Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS
Must possess the physical capacity to safely conduct field operations in demanding environments. This includes the ability to endure extended periods of heat and sun exposure, and to work aboard small watercraft or research vessels to visually observe wildlife, identify species, and record field data. Must be able to obtain NOAA Medical Clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations and maintain throughout duration of employment.
POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT
As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).
SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:
Prefer, prior experience with sea turtle population modeling, tagging studies, kinship-based modeling (CKMR), Parent-Offspring Pair (POP) frameworks, or advanced R/genomic programming. Knowledge of Pacific Islands marine species and familiarity with existing datasets and literature. Knowledge of marine turtle ecology and biological oceanography. Demonstrated record of scientific publication (peer reviewed and/or reports) and science communication (conference presentations, public audiences, etc.). Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with researchers from different scientific backgrounds, including agency and academic partners and other stakeholders.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) List of Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Unofficial or Official Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting.If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, please send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment @rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.
RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.
RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.
Pay: $6,700.00 - $7,500.00 per month
Work Location: In person
