The Smithsonian Institution seeks an energetic, field-oriented postdoctoral researcher for a 2+ year project supporting responsible testing of hatchery releases for stock enhancement of “blue swimmer crab” (Portunus pelegicus) in Southeast Asia. The project is a collaboration between the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) and the University of Maryland Institute of Marine & Environmental Technology (IMET) that is funded by the National Fisheries Institute, a nonprofit seafood industry association.

Desired qualifications:  

  • Ph.D. with field work and experimental design experience
  • Strong statistical and scientific writing skills
  • Knowledge of crustacean (preferably crab) biology (e.g. molt cycle) and interest in fisheries research
  • Certified scientific SCUBA diver (AAUS scientific diving experience strongly preferred)
  • Adventuresome, personable and self-reliant in other cultures with international travel experience (ideal with Asian cultures, but not essential) and able/willing to travel

The position is in SERC’s Fisheries Conservation Lab, directed by Dr. Matt Ogburn (https://serc.si.edu/labs/fisheries-conservation), and works closely with Dr. Anson Hines, SERC’s Director. The position could be based at SERC’s Edgewater, Maryland campus or SERC’s West Coast campus in Tiburon, California. If the postdoc is based in California, travel to Maryland at the beginning of the project is required for training and to meet with the project team, and an appropriate cost of living adjustment would be provided.

The selected applicant would ideally start the position by mid-summer 2022. This is a full-time, trust-fund position with a comprehensive benefits package. This is not a Federal position. The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the U.S. The SERC community recognizes the value of diversity in promoting innovative science and creative solutions, and we strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We recognize that each applicant will bring unique skills, knowledge, experiences and background to these positions. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race/ethnicity, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital/parental/caregiver status and disability.

To apply: Please send the following as a single PDF document to Matt Ogburn (ogburnm@si.edu): Curriculum Vitae, cover letter summarizing relevant experience, and the names and full contact information (email, phone, postal address) of three references. Review of applications will begin on 1 April 2022 and proceed until the position is filled.