Location: Oswego, NY Category: Research Foundation Posted On: Thu Oct 2 2025 Job Description: Description of Department: The Research Foundation of the State of New York seeks to hire an aquatic or fish biologist to participate in, develop, and implement research focused on informing the restoration and conservation of native fishes in New York State waters. Work will be driven by the native fish restoration goals of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and its partners. The position will be affiliated with SUNY Oswego, with the primary duty station being flexible based on project needs and the candidate's location. However, it will involve close collaboration with scientists at various state and federal facilities, such as the USGS' Tunison Laboratory of Aquatic Science in Cortland, the Lake Ontario Biological Station, the NYSDEC Lake Erie Research Unit in Dunkirk, and other partner hatcheries and laboratories. Research topics will vary based on NYSDEC priorities and can span a wide range of issues critical to native species restoration. Examples of potential research projects include evaluating the success of stocking programs, identifying key habitats for sensitive life stages, assessing the impacts of environmental stressors, or developing novel monitoring techniques for rare or elusive species. The Research Foundation (RF) at the State University of New York at Oswego invites applications for a full-time RF Aquatic Biologist to join our team. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to critical conservation and restoration efforts for native fish populations in Lake Erie, working collaboratively with leading federal and state agencies. While this position is affiliated with the SUNY Oswego campus, it is a Research Foundation position, not a New York State position. Posting Date: October 2, 2025 Review Date: Review of applications will begin two weeks after posting the job and will continue until the position is filled. Compensation: $58,459-$69,107, commensurate with experience, plus a complete Research Foundation benefits package. Benefit Information: The Research Foundation for SUNY provides an excellent benefit package. Click here (https://benefits.rfsuny.org/) for more information. Date of Appointment: As soon as possible Description of Responsibilities: The RF Aquatic Biologist will be responsible for conducting and leading research to inform the restoration and conservation of native fish populations, driven by the goals of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Collaborative research topics can include developing or applying new restoration and management practices aimed at increasing the success of stocked fish and rehabilitating wild populations. The role involves designing and executing both laboratory and field-based experiments to address key knowledge gaps in native fish restoration. For example, laboratory work may focus on characterizing the morphology and behavior of hatchery-reared and wild fish, or it could involve processing samples for genetic analysis and developing novel molecular assays (e.g., eDNA/eRNA) to infer metrics of success like spawning activity. Similarly, field studies will be a significant component, focusing on evaluating habitat suitability and assessing potential restoration sites. Effectively, this project will monitor native species and restoration outcomes by integrating a range of techniques. We will use traditional methods like trawling and gillnetting, innovative sampling of early life stages, and advanced tools such as molecular surveillance (eDNA/eRNA) and acoustic telemetry (e.g., GLATOS). All tasks require completing necessary training, strictly following safety procedures, and adhering to fundamental scientific practices. The position involves participating in or leading collaborative field teams comprised of tribal scientists, federal technicians, student contractors, and other partners. It requires the ability to trailer and operate boats up to 26 feet long. Laboratory duties may include processing biological and habitat samples, including the extraction and analysis of eDNA/eRNA. The candidate will use standard software programs to enter, manage, and analyze data under the guidance of SUNY Oswego and USGS scientists, and will be expected to write peer-reviewed scientific reports and present research results at partner and public science meetings. SUNY Oswego works continuously to create an inclusive environment which respects, embraces, and promotes cultural safety, belonging, civil discourse, cultural humility, and other values and goals outlined in SUNY Oswego's Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Plan (https://ww1.oswego.edu/diversity/) . As such, the incumbent is expected to contribute to these efforts and possess communication and interpersonal skills necessary to engage effectively with an increasingly diverse community of students and colleagues. Job Requirements: Required Qualifications: The successful applicant must have a Master's degree in biology, fisheries, ecology, or a related field; OR a Bachelor's degree in a related field with at least two years of relevant post-degree professional experience. The applicant must have experience with aquatic field sampling, possess strong written and oral communication skills, and have a demonstrated ability to learn and apply standard software programs for data entry, management, and analysis. Preferred Qualifications: A strong candidate would have a demonstrated record of scientific writing (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, technical reports) and experience with one or more of the following: experimental design, fish culture techniques, molecular ecology methods (e.g., eDNA, qPCR, metabarcoding), statistical analysis and programming (particularly in R), and trailering and operating research vessels. Experience mentoring or leading field/lab technicians is also desirable. At SUNY Oswego we value the diversity found in each member of our campus community and strive to create a community where that diversity is embraced and enhanced. Recognizing the strength of diversity, our mission is to foster an environment which respects, embraces and promotes cultural competence, civil discourse and active engagement in developing an inclusive and vibrant community of scholars who act as transformational agents of change and responsible citizens of the world. For more information see SUNY Oswego's Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Plan (https://ww1.oswego.edu/diversity/) . As a candidate seeking consideration you are asked to submit a separate statement specifically addressing how your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion has been evidenced in your career experience and professional activity, and/or community service (volunteer work, etc.), and/or professional development. (Please see Application Instructions) Additional Information: Oswego is committed to enhancing its diversity. SUNY Oswego is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is actively engaged in recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff and students. We encourage applications from qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim SUNY status, or criminal conviction. Please click here (https://www.oswego.edu/human-resources/non-discrimination-policy) to see our full non-discrimination policy. In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to work in the United States per the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Requests for reasonable accommodations of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to Dr. Starr Wheeler, ADA/504 Compliance Officer at starr.wheeler@oswego.edu or 315-312-3872 For Campus Safety information, please click here (https://www.oswego.edu/police/annual-report) to see the Annual Security and Fire Report (Clery). SUNY Oswego is a smoke free/tobacco/e-cigarette free campus. Click here (https://www.oswego.edu/human-resources/sites/human-resources/files/tobacco\_smoke\_free\_policy\_final.pdf) for further policy details, including education and cessation resources. Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@oer.ny.gov. Search Chair: Nicholas Sard, Search Chair at nicholas.sard@oswego.edu Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.