SEAMAP Plankton Survey Scientist, Levels II–III

Overview

Lynker Corporation is seeking SEAMAP Plankton Survey Scientists, Levels II–III to support NOAA Fisheries’ SEFSC, Population & Ecosystems Monitoring Division, and Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP). These proposed roles will support large-vessel plankton surveys, plankton taxonomy and sample processing, survey data management and analysis, scientific reporting, and public outreach. *Hiring for these positions will be contingent on contract award.

The positions support the SEFSC Trawl and Plankton Branch in conducting fishery-independent surveys and associated laboratory and analytical activities. Work includes extended at-sea research cruises, processing and identification of ichthyoplankton and zooplankton, and application of conventional and emerging technologies to plankton research.

Responsibilities

Duties of the SEAMAP Plankton Survey Scientist will include the following:

• Participate in large-vessel plankton surveys and other resource surveys as needed.
• Serve as Survey Field Party Chief, Survey Watch Leader, or Survey Watch Stander, as assigned.
• Plan, coordinate, and provide logistical support for surveys.
• Prepare pre-cruise instructions and post-cruise reports when serving as Field Party Chief.
• Coordinate science participant clearances, survey equipment, supplies, vessel activities, personnel, vessel movements, and ports of call.
• Coordinate with IT staff to support proper survey data collection and post-survey data retrieval.
• Serve as liaison between ship and science teams when assigned as Field Party Chief.
• Prepare, load, inventory, deploy, retrieve, unload, clean, and store survey gear and equipment.
• Conduct biological data and sample collection, logging, and processing under field conditions.
• Perform QA/QC of survey data and prepare data for database entry.
• Identify zooplankton and ichthyoplankton collected in the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America.
• Verify zooplankton and ichthyoplankton identifications using morphometric characteristics.
• Conduct displacement volume measurements, manual sorting, specimen identification, counting, and measuring.
• Conduct plankton sample analyses, as needed, using digital imaging systems, machine learning algorithms, molecular techniques/DNA barcoding, and other innovative methodologies.
• Assist with preparation of biological samples for shipment by ground and air using hazardous materials including dry ice, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and formalin.
• Maintain required DOT/IATA hazardous materials shipping and HAZWOPER compliance certifications.
• Perform data entry, editing, verification, and updates.
• Maintain current knowledge of plankton taxonomy and systematics and participate in relevant taxonomic and identification workshops.
• Support data analyses and prepare data summaries.
• Assist with development of reports, publications, and presentations.
• Support other Trawl and Plankton Branch, PEMD, and SEFSC surveys and research activities.
• Participate in public outreach and education.
• Prepare for and potentially present, facilitate, or participate in workshops, scientific meetings, symposiums, and public forums.

 

 

Qualifications

The SEAMAP Plankton Survey Scientist should have the following:

Level II

• Master of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study; or
• Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus three years of relevant experience.

Level III

• Master of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus a minimum of five years of relevant experience; or
• Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus a minimum of ten years of relevant experience.

Essential qualifications for both levels include:

• Knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of marine plankton research sufficient to independently perform scientific duties using standard methods and techniques.
• At-sea experience and ability to work productively on extended research survey cruises of approximately two to three weeks.
• Proficiency identifying marine invertebrate zooplankton and/or ichthyoplankton from the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America.
• Ability to prepare college-level reports and make oral presentations.
• Proficiency using fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and dichotomous keys.
• Computer literacy and experience with common word-pro