*CETACEAN RESEARCH VACANCY IS NOW OPEN AT NOAA’S MARINE MAMMAL LABORATORY* The Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML) of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA) has opened a vacancy announcement for a permanent federal position as Program Leader for MML’s Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program. This position is a permanent, Band IV, supervisory position in the federal ZP series. Applications will be accepted for 14 days from 15 – 28 October 2019. Announcements for this Supervisory Research Biologist ZP-0401-4 position have been posted in two categories (candidates may apply for this single position under one or both of the categories for which they qualify).Information can be found at USAJOBS under the following links: *NMFS-AKC-2019-0057:* https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/547237500 (Delegated Examining Authority -- open to U.S. citizens). *NMFS-AKC-2019-0058:* https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/547237600 (Merit Promotion Authority -- open only to current and former federal employees). The Marine Mammal Laboratory’s Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program (CAEP) is responsible for conducting studies and reviewing research to assess the status of whales in Alaskan waters (from the North Pacific Ocean to the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas). Recent studies have focused on North Pacific right, bowhead,gray, humpback, beluga and killer whales, as well as and Dall’s and harbor porpoise. Past studies have looked at blue, fin, sei, minke, sperm, and beaked whales, as well as the Pacific white-sided dolphin. Species-specific information is gathered on abundance, trends, stock structure, habitat use, seasonal movements, and feeding ecology using aerial or vessel counts, acoustic studies, satellite telemetry, genetic studies, and photo-identification. CAEP currently has a total of about 25 staff, including permanent employees, non-federal collaborators, and post-docs. The program is known for its innovative work and its strong publication record. Some of the Program’s scientists participate in domestic and international science and management meetings, including representing the United Statesat the International Whaling Commission. The Program Leader is responsible for the scientific direction and administration of CAEP, as well as direct and indirect supervision of staff. Candidates are sought who have demonstrated leadership skills, supervisory experience, and a broad scientific vision. A Ph.D. in biology (or a related field) and a strong publication record are considered essential. This is a special opportunity to join and lead a talented and dynamic group of cetacean researchers, who are an important part of the nearly 100 staff comprising the Marine Mammal Laboratory. We welcome applications from all qualified and interested members of the marine mammal research community. If that is you, please go to USAJOBS and submit an application. And please pass this notification along to others who may be interested as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at +1 (206) 526-4016. All the best, John L. Bengtson, Director Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA Seattle