Overview

The Institute for Marine Research (IMR) is a grassroots non-profit organisation that conducts long-term and fine-scale research on coastal marine ecosystems in the Philippines, using this scientific evidence to transform, educate, and encourage locally led marine conservation strategies within the Philippines.

In February 2019, IMR established the Dauin Long-Term Reef Monitoring Project, with the objective to track fine-scale changes in the overall reef community of Dauin’s fringing reef system. The Institute will deliver the science to help realise three key long-term impacts for the Municipality:

  1. Improve the health and resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems across Dauin
  2. Ensure economic, social and environmental net benefits for Dauin’s marine industries and coastal community
  3. Protect Dauin’s coral reefs and other tropical marine environments from the effects of climate change and coastal development

Head of Science: Overall Objective

To ensure effective support of the Dauin Long-Term Reef Monitoring Project, undertaking technical delivery (reports, publications) of the project, under the guidance and with agreement of the IMR Directors. The IMR Head of Science will be responsible for the effective attainment and analysis of all data collected as part of the project, including equipment calibration. The Head of Science may also be required to train and mentor IMR Research Assistants, Fellows and Thesis students, and undertake routine administrative tasks.

Salary: 30,000 Philippine Pesos (PHP) per month (Starting Salary)
Start Date: 30th May 2020
Contract Type: 2 Years Full Time (3 month Probationary Period)
Location: Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Responsibilities

  • Produce technical documents in the form of status and outlook reports, and peer-reviewed publications as part of the Dauin LongTerm Reef Monitoring Project, under the guidance of the IMR Directors
  • Manage the Dauin Long-Term Reef Monitoring Project database, ensuring the effective attainment and input of data – Schedule research dives, ensuring to meet IMRs research deadlines
  • Lead underwater research and methodology training dives (when required)
  • Conduct data analysis using EventMeasure, CPCe, AgiSoft and Gwyddion softwares
  • Provide support and technical training to IMR Research Fellows, Masters and Dissertation students
  • Conduct lectures on coral reef ecology topics, Indo-Pacific reef identification and Dauin Long-Term Reef Monitoring Project methodologies for IMR Research Assistants
  • Lead underwater research and methodology training dives for IMR Research Assistants (when required)
  • Liaise with key project partners and other stakeholders (including policy-makers), including organisation attendance at project or stakeholder meetings

Minimum Skills Required

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science (or equivalent)
  • PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor
  • Carried out independent research as evidenced by at least one publication in peer-reviewed journals in Marine Biology
  • Excellent organisational skills, with structured and methodical approach to work and a clear focus on results
  • Good communication and presentation skills (written and verbal)
  • Research and analysis skills in coral reef ecology topics
  • Strong skills in relationship-building with diverse stakeholders
  • Ability to deal with challenges in a positive way
  • Fluent in statistical analysis (e.g. R or Statistica)
  • Ability to prioritise and manage time efficiently – Previous non-profit or research station experience
  • Ability to live and work in a remote island community
  • Must provide own SCUBA equipment (BCD, Regulator, Dive Computer Mask & Fins)
  • Must provide own laptop

What’s Included

  • Accommodation in IMR staff house
  • Work Visa
  • Meals (Monday – Saturday)
  • 24hr Internet Access
  • 14 Days Paid Leave

How to Apply

Applications, consisting of a covering letter explaining why you are applying for the position and relating your experience and skills to the role, a full CV, 1x research piece (Masters Thesis / Dissertation / Technical Report), and contact details for two referees should be submitted electronically to: chelsea@institutemarineresearch.org.

Please mark your application ‘Head of Science, Job Application’.

The closing date for this application is Friday February 28th 2020.

Candidates selected for interview will be invited by email or phone as soon as possible.