Bolsa de Investigação: ARDITI-OOM/2017/005

Job: Cetaceans and turtles Line-transect visual shipboard survey observers for project Mistic Seas II;

Job/Fellowship Reference: ARDITI-OOM/2017/005;

Main research field: Biological sciences;

Sub research field: n/a;

Job summary:

In the context of Project MISTIC SEAS II, OOM-ARDITI is looking for cetaceans and sea turtles observers (level graduate students), with knowledge and experience in visual detection and data collection of the above-mentioned species, preferably with experience in distance sampling line transect surveys.

Job description:

“MISTIC SEAS II – Applying a subregional coherent and coordinated approach to the monitoring and assessment of marine biodiversity in Macaronesia for the second cycle of the MSFD“, is a project financed by the DG ENV, European Commission (No. 11.0661/2017/750679/SUB/ENV.C2). The project aims at implementing the common monitoring programs designed in MISTIC SEAS project and reinforce regionally coherent, coordinated and consistent updates to the determination of GES, as well as to prepare the next steps of the 2nd cycle of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive - MSFD (2008/56/EC), including the revision of the initial assessments and the definition of environmental targets by July 2018, in accordance with Article 17(2a and 2b), Article 5(2) and Article 3(5) of the MSFD.

The observers positions are for a pilot line-transect visual shipboard survey (Distance sampling) in Madeira archipelago coastal waters for both “Abundance of oceanic cetaceans” and “Loggerhead census” sub-programs. These sub-programmes aim to estimate the number of individuals of the selected species and gather information on their distribution.

In the context of Project MISTIC SEAS II, OOM-ARDITI is looking for 4 cetaceans and sea turtles observers (level graduate students), with knowledge and experience in visual detection and data collection of the above-mentioned species, preferably with experience in distance sampling line transect surveys. The selected applicants will temporarily integrate the cetaceans team of OOM - Oceanic Observatory of Madeira, headed by Luís Freitas, scientist with decades of experience in the study of cetaceans in Madeira archipelago.

Requirements

For the applicant to be considered a candidate for these scholarships it is required to have at least a degree in biology, ecology or similar field and be fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Workplan

The responsibilities of the observers include, among others:

• Participate in the theoretical and field training;
• Participate in the line-transect shipboard visual surveys in the coastal waters of Madeira archipelago in many campaigns of several days at sea;
• As cetaceans and turtles observers, implement and follow the sampling protocol established for the surveys, including a systematic and proficient data collection at sea, with the coordination of the surveys leader and the supervision of the Sub-program coordinator;
• Organize, compile and validate all the data collected after each survey;
• Collaborate in other navigational and logistical tasks on board while at sea;
• Collaborate with other tasks of Project MISTIC SEAS II sub-programs that are being implemented in Madeira archipelago;

Scientific guidance and workplace

The work will be carried out at the Science Unit of the Madeira Whale Museum, Caniçal, Madeira Island, under the supervision of Luís Freitas

Duration

3 months

Salary

745.00 €/month tax free - ARDITI research fellowship (BI - Licenciado) monthly maintenance stipend and regulations are determined by ‘FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia’ (http://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/valores.phtml.en).

Evaluation criteria

The evaluation criteria will be the following:
FS = QA + EP + ML
FS – Final Scores
QA – Qualifications
EP – Experience
ML – Motivation

QA:

•  3 points – Degree in marine Biology or Ecology;

EP:

• 4 points - Experience in the field as cetaceans and/or turtles observer, including the identification in situ of Madeiran cetacean species;
• 4 points - Experience in the field as observer in transect-line visual shipboard surveys applying the Distance sampling methodology;
• 2 points - Experience in organizing and validating observational data collected during the surveys;
• 2 point – Experience in the field photo-identification data (take images of dorsal fins), including, the use of digital photographic camera for these purposes;
• 1 point – Good knowledge of Portuguese and/or Spanish, spoken and written;

ML:

• 4 points – Motivation;

The jury may decide to conduct an interview to the six best graded candidates in the qualifications, experience and motivation evaluation, and that interview will contribute to 40% of the final scores of these candidates (i.e., the joint score of the CV evaluation and motivation letter will be 60% of the final score).

Selection panel

• Luís Freitas
• Cláudia Ribeiro
• Clemente Aguiar

Application contents

• Motivation letter (highlighting the candidate’s motivation and adequacy to work, but not repeating the CV)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Relevant qualification certificates (e.g. Degree certificate)

Announcement of the results

Via e-mail.

Application submission and deadline

The application is to be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. until the 19th May 2017