Visiting Scientist Program
Position Description and Terms of Reference
The Cetacean Research Lab at Vancouver Aquarium will have a opening in its visiting scientist program at the beginning of May, 2009. This unpaid position would suit an established cetacean researcher on study leave from his or her institution wanting focused time for analysis and writing, needing a base while conducting field-based research in the region, or wishing to conduct studies at the Aquarium. Inquiries are welcome from researchers studying cetacean conservation, behaviour, evolution, physiology, cognitive or sensory abilities, social structure, genetics, ecology, or population biology. The Visiting Scientist should expect to spend up to 3 hours a week interacting with the Aquarium's research, conservation, and education staff, and is encouraged to develop collegial relationships with university and government-based researchers in the region. The tenure of the position is 6 – 12 months. Graduate students are not eligible for this position, but are welcome to enquire about other visiting opportunities. A brief description of the Cetacean Research Lab and its programs may be found here.
Opportunities and Responsibilities
The Visiting Scientist will be supplied with a work area and computer (if required) in a quiet open office, with high-speed data access. He or she will have access to IT and library support. If the candidate intends to conduct research onsite, access to animals in our live collection and the assistance of our veterinary and animal care staff may be arranged subject to ethical and scientific review and operational constraints.
The visiting scientist position is unsalaried, but modest funding is available to help with expenses and to assist the researcher to travel to Vancouver. The visiting scientist must abide by the Aquarium's safety and conduct rules, and must obtain approval for any studies of Aquarium animals through the Aquarium’s established review process. Approval can take up to three months and should normally be applied for before the visiting scientist take up his or her position. The visiting scientist must have all legally required permits and approvals for any research they conduct in the wild, including ethical approval from his or her parent institution.
Local Facilities and Housing
The Vancouver Aquarium is situated in Stanley Park in the heart of downtown Vancouver. This central location offers the opportunity to travel easily to institutions such as the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, the regional headquarters of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada, and the Department of Fisheries and Ocean's West Vancouver laboratory. To learn more about the City of Vancouver visit www.vancouver.ca/visitors.htm.
A variety of rental accommodation is available in Vancouver, at prices typical of other large North American cities. It is suggested that you familarise yourself with housing options and prices via the following links before enquiring about the position.
www.vancouver.renting.canada.com
Letters of Enquiry
Letters of enquiry should be addressed to Dr. Lance Barrett-Lennard at Lance.Barrett-Lennard@vanaqua.org, or at the following address:
Cetacean Research Program
Vancouver Aquarium
PO Box 3232
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 3X8