Postdoctoral Researcher in Movement Ecology of Large Predatory Fish – Block Lab, Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University

A postdoctoral position in movement ecology of large predatory fish is available to conduct research using innovative analytical technological approaches. The postdoctoral position will be based in the Block lab (https://www.stanfordblocklab.org/) at Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University. The postdoctoral researcher will work with a multidisciplinary team using a wide array of technology to integrate biology, population structure, life history, physiology, oceanography, and habitat models of large pelagic predators. The researcher position will focus primarily on white sharks in the northeast Pacific Ocean and the candidate will conduct field work with a team of researchers to analyze and integrate extensive electronic tag data sets with data from autonomous vehicles, satellite oceanography, prey fields, as well as fishing vessel distributions derived from AIS, VIIRS, and other novel technologies. We seek a creative individual with expertise in a relevant ecological, oceanographic or fisheries discipline (e.g., marine ecology, physiology, fisheries science, or oceanography) and the ability to effectively work in interdisciplinary teams on cross-cutting issues. In particular, the candidate should be familiar with acoustic telemetry and biologging devices, be comfortable during deployments at sea on small boats, and capable of designing and conducting analyses aimed at understanding the movements and habitat dynamics of pelagic predators.

The researchers should have proficiency in programming languages such as R, MATLAB, or Python, experience with tags, ecological physiology and/or spatial analyses approaches and software as well as data visualization, some data management/protocol, coding, metadata, and, if possible, statistical modeling. Given the focus and goals of the project and of the groups involved, we seek a person with experience and/or interest in both advancing scientific frontiers and addressing real-world challenges of sustainability in the open ocean. The position is initially for one year, starting in 2023, with potential for renewal up to four years and is based in Monterey, California at Hopkins Marine Station.
The Block Lab is supportive of opportunities for professional development (through Office of Postdoctoral Affairs; https://postdocs.stanford.edu/). We strive to provide a flexible, comfortable, inclusive environment for research and professional growth.

Required Application Materials: Applicants should electronically submit a single PDF containing the following: 1. A 2-page cover letter detailing your research interests and skills that match the position 2. A recent CV (with contact information for 3-5 references listed at the end) Stanford is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

• Job Type: Post-doc
• Application deadline:
• Organization: Stanford University
• Qualifications: The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in a biology, oceanography, or fisheries science and preferably 1-3 years of experience in field and/or advanced biologging tagging work including demonstrated ability to work at sea, the capability to source, handle, and analyze large disparate dataset types and formats derived from animal tagging data in spatial analytic methods. Bayes and/or hierarchical modeling approaches are helpful, and experience in environmental data analyses/interpretation using statistical methods and/or modeling approaches is an advantage for this position. Preference will be given to those with some proficiency in acoustic telemetry, biologging, biological oceanography, and/or marine science issues related to fish and fisheries, as well as demonstrated scientific productivity through peer-review publications. Candidates must possess strong teamwork skills and ability to work effectively with students and staff, as well as have an interest to work within an interdisciplinary group of researchers. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, with the ability to work independently at sea as a member of a team but have a quantitative capacity to solve problems in a multidisciplinary framework. To be considered, interested candidates should provide a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae and the names and contacts of at least three references to Dr. Barbara Block at bblock@stanford.edu. The position is to be filled by 2023, with the latest potential start date being winter quarter 2024. Prospective postdocs from traditionally under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Minimum Required Qualifications: ▪ PhD in ecology, biology, oceanography, statistics, or a related field ▪ Demonstrated expertise in spatial analysis and programming in the R, MATLAB or Python ▪ Prior experience with acoustic and/or biologging tags, GIS/geospatial analysis, Git, and database skills will be an asset.
• How to apply:
• Location: Stanford, CA
• Web address:

Contact Information:
Barbara Block



bblock@stanford.edu