Plankton Research Biologist

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is looking for a Plankton Research Biologist to support the Northeast Fisheries Science Centers’ Oceanography Branch. This branch aims to provide information on oceanography, lower-trophic levels and exploited species to a range of NOAA assessment products, such as stock assessments, integrated ecosystem assessments, and environmental impact assessments.

Primary Function:

In 2025, a sampling cruise will occur that is focused on supporting the Atlantic bluefin tuna Close Kin Mark Recapture (CKMR) project. CKMR is an innovative new approach to estimating population size and population structure of managed species. In the case of bluefin tuna, this approach relies on a genetic assessment of parent-offspring-pairs between adults caught in the fishery and larvae sampled on a research vessel. The candidate will support the larval portion of this project.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Sort plankton samples to remove larval fish, eggs and cephalopods.
• Identify, measure and quantify larval tunas, including bluefin tuna. Measure length of bluefin tuna. Training will be provided.
• Manage the archive and associated data of adult samples that are being provided by collaborators.
• Compile data into databases and ensure that samples are shipped to the appropriate organizations.
• Participate in ongoing plankton monitoring program, including at sea collection of plankton samples, and shoreside organization and archiving of samples.
• Contribute to educational outreach programs including participating in lab tours and school visits.
• Attend and/or participate in conferences and training opportunities and other duties deemed helpful to the Branch.
• Contribute to a more organized and collaborative atmosphere.

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on candidates’ depth of experience. This is a full–time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Graduate level degree, with coursework in marine biology, ecology, or zoology
• Experience in the use of microscopes.
• Understanding of the use of identification keys to identify marine taxa.
• Preference for experience with fish keys and in particular larval fish keys.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the following areas:
• Strong record keeping and organizational skills.
• Basic data entry and analysis, including some familiarity with common data manipulation and analysis software tools like Excel, Matlab or R.
• Communication both verbally and using written materials (including visual presentations)
• Independent worker with strong time management skills.
• Adaptability to quickly changing priorities and strict timelines.
• Attention to detail.
• Willingness to participate in research cruises of approximately two weeks in duration

Preferred Qualifications:

• A PhD with coursework in marine biology, ecology, or zoology
• Experience participating in Close Kin Mark Recapture projects
• Experience sorting plankton samples
• Experience leading research cruises

Travel:

• 25% Travel is anticipated to support research cruises.

Location:

• 28 Tarzwell Dr. Narragansett, RI