Research Scientist, Cetacean Conservation Science

The Research Scientist – Cetacean Conservation Science will lead the development and implementation of Singapore Oceanarium's cetacean conservation research programme, integrating research on cetaceans under human care with conservation outcomes for wild populations. The successful candidate will develop and deliver a portfolio of scientific research that advances animal welfare, veterinary medicine, behaviour, cognition, physiology, conservation technologies, and population conservation. The role will apply the principles of the IUCN One Plan Approach by ensuring knowledge, expertise, and innovation generated through managed populations contribute directly to conservation planning, threat mitigation, population recovery, and protection of threatened cetacean species and populations within Singapore and the region. The position requires close collaboration with veterinarians, marine mammal specialists, animal care teams, life support personnel, conservation practitioners, universities, government agencies, and international conservation partners. The successful candidate will help establish Singapore Oceanarium as a regional centre of excellence for cetacean conservation science, innovation, and capacity building. Responsibilities: Strategic Research Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of Singapore Oceanarium's cetacean conservation science strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional conservation, education, animal welfare, and sustainability objectives.
• Develop a balanced portfolio of research addressing both cetaceans under human care and conservation challenges facing wild populations.
• Identify and prioritise research opportunities that support animal welfare, veterinary medicine, behaviour, cognition, physiology, rescue and rehabilitation, and conservation management.
• Ensure research outcomes contribute to evidence-based management and conservation actions for threatened cetacean species.
• Contribute scientific expertise to institutional conservation planning and strategic conservation initiatives.

Integrated Conservation Science

• Develop and lead research programmes that support the integration of ex situ and in situ conservation efforts.
• Contribute to species recovery planning, threat assessments, population management, and conservation decision-making processes.
• Drive the application of knowledge gained from animals under human care to improve conservation outcomes for wild populations.
• Support regional and international conservation initiatives through scientific collaboration, technical expertise, and applied research.
• Contribute to conservation preparedness initiatives, including research relevant to rescue, rehabilitation, population support, and conservation intervention programmes.

Research Delivery

• Design, coordinate, and deliver scientific research projects from concept through publication and application.
• Independently manage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring achievement of milestones, budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
• Apply appropriate statistical, analytical, and modelling approaches to research questions.
• Maintain high standards of scientific rigour, ethics, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance.
• Translate scientific findings into practical recommendations that improve animal care, welfare, husbandry and veterinary practices, public facing communications and conservation outcomes.

Conservation Technology and Innovation

• Lead the evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies that advance cetacean research, welfare, and conservation.
• Explore opportunities in areas such as bioacoustics, passive acoustic monitoring, artificial intelligence, behavioural monitoring, environmental DNA (eDNA), animal health diagnostics, and other innovative conservation methodologies.
• Promote innovation that improves both managed animal programmes and field conservation efforts.

Scientific Communication and Knowledge Sharing

• Lead the publication of research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and other recognised scientific outlets.
• Present research outcomes at national and international conferences, workshops, and professional forums.
• Prepare technical reports, grant applications, conservation assessments, and scientific communications.
• Communicate scientific findings effectively to diverse audiences including conservation professionals, regulators, animal care teams, educators, and the public.

Partnerships and Capacity Building

• Develop and lead strategic scientific collaborations within Singapore Oceanarium and wider Resorts World Sentosa community, universities, other zoological institutions, conservation organisations, government agencies, and international research networks.
• Establish Singapore Oceanarium as a leading partner for cetacean conservation research within the Asia and Indo-Pacific region.
• Supervise students, interns, visiting researchers, and research assistants as required.
• Provide scientific mentorship and technical leadership to support research capacity and professional development across the organisation.

Requirements:

• PhD or Master's degree in Marine Biology, Marine Mammal Science, Conservation Biology, Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Veterinary Science, Ecology, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in cetacean research and/or conservation, with demonstrated scientific independence and project leadership.
• Experience in leading and delivering field-based cetacean research and conservation programmes.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary and collaborative environments.
• Proven track record in developing, leading, and publishing scientific research.
• Records of peer-reviewed scientific publications related to cetaceans, marine mammals, or closely related fields.
• Demonstrated analytical, statistical, project management, and scientific writing skills.