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.

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.

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-processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
• Driver’s license to operate Government vehicles.
• Ability to meet NOAA sea-duty health requirements, including required NOAA Health Services and tuberculosis screening documentation and a current tetanus vaccination.

The ideal SEAMAP Plankton Survey Scientist will have the following

• Experience as a lead data collector for field projects.
• Knowledge of procedures required when encountering endangered or threatened species.
• Knowledge of SEAMAP field sampling protocols for plankton surveys.
• Experience operating the Scientific Computing System.
• Knowledge of techniques and instrumentation such as ZooScan and FlowCam used to gather digitized data on marine plankton specimens.
• Knowledge of statistical treatment of marine plankton and oceanographic data.

Work Environment

The positions are based at the SEFSC Laboratory in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and include laboratory, office, large research vessel, charter vessel, and small-boat environments. At-sea work may include extended research cruises of approximately two to three weeks.

Facility access is generally available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Nighttime, weekend, and overtime work may be required in association with at-sea surveys and other field activities and must be authorized in accordance with contract requirements.

Domestic and international travel may be required in support of at-sea surveys, project-related workshops, and working group meetings.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.