MMRP Cetacean Research Technician (Population Ecology)

Job Description

MMRP Cetacean Research Technician (Population Ecology)

ID226217

Project Name

HIMB

Posted Date04/15/2026

Closing Date04/20/2026

FTE90.0%

Compensation$3237.30-$3237.30/Month

StateHawaii

IslandOahu

Job Summary

CLOSING DATE: April 20, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended.

Regular, Part-Time (90% FTE), RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Marine Mammal Research Lab, located at Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, Kaneohe, 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: $3,237.30/Mon. (@90% FTE)

DUTIES: Serves as a Research Technician within the Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, contributing to a project that uses photo-identification catalogs from O'ahu and Maui Nui to investigate movement patterns and abundance of small cetaceans. Primarily contributes to a project, which is examining movement of spinner dolphins between O'ahu and other islands within the 4-Island stock boundary, improving understanding of movement or social patterns off O'ahu, and exploring novel, cost-effective methodologies for long-term monitoring, such as the development of proxy sites, while also assisting with population ecology research on other small cetaceans as needed. Responsibilities include grading photo ID images and quality-controlling large volumes of photo-ID images, utilizing Flukebook and other algorithms to match individuals, and assisting with the development of catalogs that inform abundance and movement analyses. Prepares large and complex datasets, applying statistical modeling and coding skills in R and Excel to process and analyze data, with additional responsibilities in GIS to visualize spatial patterns. Contributes to manuscript preparation and collaborative research outputs, demonstrating strong skills in quantitative ecology, data management, and scientific writing. Engages with project partners throughout the project. Prepares progress reports to funders based on the funder's requirements (quarterly, semi-annually or annually) and final reports. Assists with tracking budgets and spending. Assists with preparing publications in scientific journals. Presents findings to the public and scientific community. Assists with mentoring undergraduate project students, including recruitment and mentoring of interns as needed. Some travel may be required.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biology, Marine Biology, Quantitative Ecology, or related field.

EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of experience in analytical and coding/programming in R (or related languages), with demonstrated ability to process, manipulate, and analyze large datasets. Includes experience in organizing and managing photo-identification data and using automated or semi-automated matching platforms, such as Flukebook. Experience required in statistical data analysis, including population modeling, and in applying GIS to visualize movement patterns and habitat use. Experience with collaborative research, manuscript preparation, and data presentation is expected.

KNOWLEDGE: General proficiency with R, Excel, and related analytical tools for processing and analyzing large datasets. Demonstrated understanding of statistical modeling, coding, and quantitative ecology. Familiarity with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS or QGIS) for spatial data processing and visualization. Working knowledge of marine mammal photo-identification methods, population ecology, and conservation issues.

ABILITIES & SKILLS: Strong organizational skills and ability to contribute to scientific writing, reporting, and publication. Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills. Strong attention to detail, as evidenced by previous research. Demonstrated initiative and independent work ethics. Strong organizational and time management skills. Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills and enthusiastic willingness to collaborate. Strong problem-solving skills. Excellent coding and quantitative skills. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with minimal supervision. Ability to prioritize tasks and meet multiple deadlines on concurrent projects. Ability to oversee students/volunteers with a wide range of experience. Strong research/writing skills, including ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals, as evidenced by publication record. Proficient leadership, management and organizational skills. Proficient in the use of computers including word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets. Proven ability to work with large photo-identification datasets. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must complete the online CITI Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee training within two (2) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must be able to complete the UH Title IX training within 30 days from date of hire, and re-certify annually. Must be able to complete the Workplace Violence Prevention training within 30 days from date of hire, and re-certify annually. 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. Must obtain a valid FAA 107 drone license within two (2) months from date of hire.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Ability to conduct long fieldwork days in challenging weather conditions; including exposure to sun, wind, cold, and rain. Ability to work on small boats. Ability to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds assisted. Ability to safely board a vessel for travel to Moku o Loe and hike up to one (1) mile round trip.

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 Hawaii'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:

Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Marine Biology, Quantitative Ecology, or related field. Prior experience conducting marine mammal fieldwork, particularly boat-based surveys, is desirable. Proven familiarity with the ecology of the odontocete assemblage encountered around the main Hawaiian islands. Demonstrated interest and knowledge of data visualization and public engagement methodologies. Experience in science communication. Experience with project management techniques. Experience in grant proposal development and writing.

INQUIRIES: Lars Bejder ... (Oahu).

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to 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. Hawaii 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 .... If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call ... or .... Please visit for more information on RCUH's Benefits for eligible employees.

RCUH's mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawaii, with a focus on the University of Hawaii.

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.