Overview:

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) has emerged as a catalyst for solutions to complex challenges at the nexus of Maine's marine ecosystem and our economy. GMRI is widely respected as one of the top marine research institutions in the Northeast (USA). Our fusion of science, education, and community gives us range to effect change from multiple directions. Our objectivity and commitment to collaboration make us the go-to organization for communities grappling with contentious political issues and new business systems. We are making a long-term investment in science literacy as a cornerstone of a 21st century economy by providing programs to ignite the curiosity, ambition, innovation, and problem-solving potential of Maine's next generation.

GMRI is seeking a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to lead its research group. GMRI has established a multi-disciplinary research team with expertise in fisheries ecology, biological oceanography, fish behavior and gear design, ecosystem modeling, population dynamics, and resource economics focused on fishery ecosystem research issues. The team has both natural and social science interests relevant to current Gulf of Maine issues, and commitments to collaborating with marine stakeholders.

The CSO will work with GMRI's Management Team and staff to oversee, support, and ensure implementation of our Research programs and organizational strategic plan. The successful candidate will work closely with GMRI's Community and Education staff to expand GMRI's convening, education, and innovation support work. The CSO will also plan for new marine resource challenges and opportunities as they emerge through researching and piloting initiatives that enable GMRI to meet its strategic goals.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The roles and responsibilities will include an evolving mix of:

1. Leading a Dynamic Research Team:

• Evolve and maintain a dynamic Research team
• Further develop and secure GMRI's research funding base
• Build and strengthen GMRI's scientific credibility in the Gulf of Maine, national and international arenas
• Nurture a stimulating, productive research climate
• Develop a Research and Science strategy that involves the other parts of GMRI as appropriate

2. Sustaining GMRI as a strong, rapidly growing entity:

• Contribute to the functions of the Management Team and the GMRI Board and its committees
• Manage the Research group of GMRI
• Facilitate integration of the Research team and its work within GMRI and its broader agenda

3. Build partnerships and Collaborations:

• Be a good partner and build successful partnerships, internally and externally
• Build and strengthen science collaborations with other organizations and industry
• Understand and manage GMRI work within the political environment

4. Maintain active professional scientific interests and a personal research program

Qualifications:

Professional

• Ph.D. in relevant natural or social sciences;
• A proven track record of high quality research;
• Minimum of 10 years experience in a science leadership position and success in sustaining a high performance research team;
• Demonstrated experience in organizational management at a senior level;
• Proven ability to conceive and develop effective programs, secure funding, and maintain an effective staff to implement them;
• Strong supervisory and communications skills;
• Proven track record of effective collaborations within an organization, across organizations, and with individual stakeholders;
• Familiarity with the fishing industry, fisheries management and an ecosystem approach to management;
• Science/research experience in the Gulf of Maine and internationally.

Personal

• Self-motivated, optimistic, and energetic;
• Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative, interested in other viewpoints;
• Articulate and concise in verbal and written communication;
• Gathers team perspective to make decisions and then moves decisively.

Compensation:

This appointment is based at our lab in Portland, Maine (USA). The projected start date is January 2014. Compensation will be competitive and depend on qualifications. GMRI offers an excellent benefit package.

For more information: GMRI Chief Scientific Officer Specification

To Apply:

Please submit cover letter, resume, and the names and addresses of three references to ensure full consideration. To apply for this position, please Click Here Note: you will be navigating away from the GMRI website. Questions should be referred to jobs@gmri.org. Please note that we will not be accepting resumes sent to this email address. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

We are proud to be an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran or military status or any other legally protected status. In order to comply with local, state and federal Affirmative Action and Equal Employment regulations we need to identify certain applicant data which will only be used for reporting to government agencies. You are not required by law to provide this data. The data you provide on this form will be kept confidential, used solely for statistical purposes and maintained separately from your employment application. This data will not be used to make a decision about your employment.

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