Fish Ageing Scientist - NIWA

NIWA is a dynamic research organisation whose purpose is to enhance the economic value and sustainable management of New Zealand's aquatic resources and environments, to provide understanding of climate and the atmosphere and increase resilience to weather and climate hazards to improve safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders. NIWA is New Zealand's largest and pre-eminent provider of climate, freshwater and marine science.

The Fisheries Monitoring and Acoustics group at NIWA (https://www.niwa.co.nz/) seeks a Fish Ageing Scientist to join our Wellington based team to maintain and strengthen NIWA's fish age determination capabilities to underpin fisheries management, both within the New Zealand EEZ and internationally. As part of this role, you will develop capability within the team and contribute to NIWA's strategic fisheries research direction. 

The successful applicant will join a team of fisheries population biology, ecology and stock assessment staff, and will apply fish aging techniques to inform analyses related to the distribution, abundance and dynamics of fished populations. The position supports both consultancy and research projects, focusing on fisheries stock assessment, the effects of fishing on the environment and climate change. Cross-disciplinary interactions are encouraged.

To be successful for this position you will have will have expertise in fish ageing, as well as in one or more of any number of specialties (stock assessment, population studies, effects of fishing research, application of innovative technologies), to complement the existing expertise within the group but also across NIWA. A PhD specialising in quantitative fisheries or ecosystems research, or equivalent experience, would be advantageous. You will have a proven track record preparing research tenders or funding applications, presentations to stakeholder groups, reports and scientific papers and demonstrate the application of relevant statistical principles and methods to fisheries or marine ecosystem questions.

The 290 strong NIWA Wellington campus situated on the shores of beautiful Evans Bay provides a unique multi-disciplinary work atmosphere with expertise across every aspect of the marine environment readily available for advice or collaboration. NIWA has a convenient location and a flexible family-friendly ethos. Wellington, the capital city, has a vibrant arts and cultural life and provides easy access to the nation's decision makers.