Background: The Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) is a bi-national organization dedicated to sustaining the productivity of fish stocks in the Great Lakes and controlling invasive sea lamprey populations. We lead cutting-edge research and foster collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and academic partners to protect and enhance one of the world’s most vital freshwater ecosystems. The GLFC is leading the bi-directional selective fish passage (FishPass; https://www.glfc.org/fishpass.php) project at the Boardman/Ottaway River’s Union Street Dam in Traverse City, MI, a multi-agency collaboration aimed at providing up- and down-stream passage of desirable fishes while simultaneously blocking or removing undesirable and invasive fishes. FishPass is currently under construction, and on-site selective fish passage research is expected to begin by 2027.  Once constructed, the top priority for research at FishPass will focus on the testing and evaluating fish movement and efficiency of sorting mechanisms in the fish-sorting channels of FishPass (Priority 1 of the FishPass Assessment Plan). We are seeking a motivated and experienced Fisheries Quantitative Research Biologist to lead in-channel experimental studies and quantitative evaluations of fish sorting technologies, under the direction of the FishPass Principal Engineer/Scientist and FishPass Advisory Board.

Responsibilities: The Fisheries Quantitative Research Biologist (Biologist) will design and lead advanced quantitative and computational research concerning selective passage studies in support of Priority 1 of the FishPass Assessment Plan – testing and evaluating fish movement and efficiency of sorting mechanisms in the fish-sorting channels of FishPass. The Biologist will complement  the work of the Assessment Biologist to support Priority 2 of the FishPass Assessment Plan – assessment of overall fisheries productivity in the Boardman/Ottaway River and broad scale effects of selective fish passage.  The Biologist will apply advanced quantitative statistical techniques to analyze fish behavior and movement data, as well as sorting mechanism efficiency to develop and optimize selective fish passage. The Biologist will assist the Principal Engineer/Scientist in implementing the FishPass agreements, guidelines and protocols for FishPass operation and maintenance, and provide support to implement the FishPass Research Plan. The Biologist will also assist in constructing, operating, testing, and repairing electronic and scientific test equipment used at FishPass, and assist in the construction and modification of new and prototype fish sorting devices. The Biologist will be responsible for writing scientific manuscripts, technical reports, briefing notes, data summaries, or other internal publications that include recommendations for changes, elimination, or improvement of operations and analyses supporting development of annual FishPass research plans.

Qualifications:  The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree (MS minimum, PhD preferred) in biology or ecology (with focus on fisheries and/or animal behavior) or alternatively in statistics, mathematics, or engineering with a background in biology or ecology, and two (2) years of professional experience in relevant fisheries research. Demonstrated experience in project leadership, implementing advanced quantitative analyses, and maintain/operate experimental systems (i.e., fish guidance technologies, monitoring equipment) within a controlled research setting. Candidates must also have a proven record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals and providing oral presentations at international scientific meetings.