Research Associate (Halifax Regional Municipality)

Job Summary The Right Whale Satellite Tools project develops satellite-based methods to identify physical ocean conditions associated with zooplankton prey aggregations and potential North Atlantic Right Whale habitat in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and adjacent Northwest Atlantic waters. This research supports Canadian conservation and monitoring priorities by improving understanding of the physical drivers of whale habitat and by providing practical tools that can inform marine management and protection efforts. Reporting to the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Associate will support the scientific and technical delivery of a funded research program focused on satellite-based estimation of North Atlantic right whale prey aggregations and habitat suitability. Key Responsibilities Acquire, organize, process, and quality-control satellite datasets, including Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT), satellite altimetry, sea surface temperature, and synthetic aperture radar data, for the Gulf of St. Lawrence and adjacent waters. Derive and refine physical indices and integrate multi-sensor observations into analysis-ready datasets and reproducible workflows that support habitat assessments and downstream reporting. Develop, apply, update statistical or empirical methods that relate satellite-observed ocean surface features to prey aggregation and potential whale habitat. Produce probability maps and related data products. Revise methods where required to improve performance. Draft, revise, and finalize scientific manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, and other research outputs. Prepare figures, summaries, and technical descriptions. Contribute to funding-related documentation and knowledge mobilization activities for scientific and applied audiences. Maintain records of data processing steps, analytical methods, code, and research products. Participate in project meetings, summarize progress against milestones, identify technical issues, and recommend adjustments to work plans as needed. Work closely with PI and collaborating researchers to align analyses with project priorities, timelines, and scientific objectives. As required, provide day-to-day technical guidance on specific datasets, methods, or analytical tasks to students or other team members. Note The successful applicant may work in-person on campus, primarily remotely (from within Nova Scotia with occasional presence in-person on-campus), or perform a hybrid of the two as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements. Required Qualifications PhD in Oceanography or a closely related discipline plus at least 3 years relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of training and experience). Experience in physical oceanography and satellite remote sensing, with demonstrated ability to process, analyze, and interpret observational datasets such as sea surface temperature, satellite altimetry, synthetic aperture radar imagery, and related oceanographic data products. Experience with quantitative analysis, geospatial and statistical methods, and scientific programming in MATLAB and/or Python. Evidence of scholarly research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations relevant to oceanography, remote sensing, or marine environmental analysis. Demonstrated solid written and oral communication skills, and the capacity to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration and regular communication within a multidisciplinary research team. Strong organizational skills. Assets Job Competencies The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousies and competencies, in particular: - Self-Awareness & Professionalism - Integrity - Adaptability - Knowledge & Thinking Skills - Communication Additional Information Application Consideration Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit. We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture. Diversity Statement Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mikmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2pkcak