Job ID: 2024-1216 Type: Full-Time # of Openings: 1 Category: Physical Scientist NOAA - Sand Point Way Sea WA
Overview
Lynker Corporation is a leading provider of innovative solutions in fisheries, natural resources, weather and climate science. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker leverages cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise to support our contracts with NOAA.
As part of our ongoing growth and expansion, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced zooplankton biologist to join our team to support NOAA's Alaska Fisheries Science Center Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering Division.
Responsibilities
TASKS
1. Analysis of chlorophyll data
Upload chlorophyll biomass data from samples collected at sea and analyzed in the laboratory to the EcoDAAT database. Chlorophyll biomass data will be uploaded once a year after all samples from the previous year’s surveys have been analyzed.
Review Quality Assurance/Quality Control plots to assess accuracy of laboratory fluorimeter calibrations, laboratory analyses, and chlorophyll biomass data input.
Edit chlorophyll biomass data for input errors as necessary.
Produce chlorophyll biomass maps & data tables and create metadata files based on chlorophyll biomass and survey station locations.
2. Verification of Zooplankton Samples
Verify the accuracy of samples processed by the Polish Plankton Sorting and Identification Center (PPSIC). This includes plankton samples collected in the eastern Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska and Arctic.
Examine samples under a dissecting microscope to determine the accuracy of the identifications and counts supplied by the PPSIC
Note discrepancies and retrieve pertinent taxonomic literature to assist the sorting center to correct the discrepancies.
Follow established, standard AFSC protocols in the laboratory.
3. Dissections of fish stomach contents
Follow established AFSC stomach dissection and prey identification protocols (see Brown, A. L., Britt, L., & Clark, J. (1999). FOCI Field Manual (N. M. F. S. Alaska Fisheries Science Center NOAA, Ed.). Seattle, WA.).
Excise stomachs for key flatfish, gadid, and forage species and prepare them for analyses. At the time of dissection, record fish length and weight.
Enter data into an electronic database and error-check them.
4. Analysis of fish stomach contents
Enumerate the stomach contents of each fish and shall weigh prey items by taxonomic groups according to AFSC protocol. Under a dissecting microscope, identify consumed prey taxa to the lowest possible taxon and life history stage in accordance with standard laboratory protocols.
Record prey data on NOAA-supplied forms and enter them into NOAA-supplied electronic spreadsheets.
Error-check all entered data and shall note discrepancies according to designated protocols.
Prepare figures, tables, and maps from the stomach data.
5. Writing reports
Contribute to writing assignments necessary for full reporting of plankton sorting and identification tasks.
Prepare summaries of feeding and diets of zooplanktivorous fishes.
DELIVERABLES
Processed chlorophyll data entered into EcoDAAT database
Corrected NOAA zooplankton sorting paper forms showing the correct identity, number and/or species of zooplankton taxa.
Data records of all fish dissected (in hardcopy and electronic form) and inventory of vials containing excised stomachs awaiting processing.
Data from identification of fish stomach contents entered into NOAA-supplied spreadsheets. Paper and digital forms for all samples examined. Figures, tables, or maps to summarize the data.
Text, figures, tables and reviews for contributions to the Ecosystem Considerations Chapter
Monthly progress report to include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: accomplishments, issues encountered, travel (including purpose, significant outcomes, action items), and recommendations, if applicable
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university with a major directly related in a field of study as related to the requirements of specific task order with emphasis in fisheries, oceanography, or natural science plus one (1) year of experience in related field or combination of such totaling five (5) years combined education and experience.
Demonstrated experience with zooplankton taxonomy
Demonstrated experience with microscope work
Excellent organizational as well as written and oral communication skills
Demonstrated experience working on at sea surveys
Familiarity with the R programming language
Current MS Office skills
About Lynker
Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small 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 and diverse 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 proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.
