Job description
North Atlantic Fisheries Institute (NAFI) is seeking a Senior Fisheries Scientist to join our Portland, Maine team. This role offers the rare blend of field leadership, rigorous data science, and policy-focused communication to sustain healthy North Atlantic fish populations.
You will design and execute field surveys, manage data quality, develop stock assessment models, and translate results into clear, actionable recommendations for fisheries managers, policymakers, and industry partners. The position combines hands-on fieldwork with advanced analytics in a collaborative, impact-driven environment committed to ocean health.
Responsibility
- Lead and coordinate field surveys and sampling programs in collaboration with partners across the North Atlantic.
- Collect, curate, and QA/QC fisheries catch and effort data from multiple sources to ensure robust analyses.
- Apply stock assessment methods and population models to evaluate stock status and sustainable harvest options.
- Analyze temporal and spatial trends using R, Python, and GIS tools; document methodologies and assumptions transparently.
- Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed manuscripts to inform decision-makers and the public.
- Supervise and mentor technical staff and early-career scientists; foster a collaborative research culture.
- Engage with fishers, communities, governments, and industry partners to translate science into practical management actions.
- Support grant writing, project management, and budget planning to advance research objectives.
Qualification
- Master’s degree in fisheries science, marine biology, oceanography, or a related field; PhD preferred.
- 5+ years of relevant experience in fisheries research, stock assessments, or management support.
- Strong quantitative skills with experience in stock assessment tools and programming (R, Python); familiarity with ADMB, JAGS, or similar is a plus.
- Proven track record of data management, statistical analysis, and GIS applications.
- Excellent written and oral communication; ability to present complex results to diverse audiences.
- Experience collaborating with government agencies, academia, and industry partners.
- Willingness to conduct fieldwork and travel as needed (domestic and international).
- Demonstrated project leadership and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.