Sr. Research Acoustician

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 Sr. Research Acoustician to support the Passive Acoustic Branch (PAB) at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). This position is part of a contract opportunity we are currently bidding on.

Primary Function:

The NEFSC requires support to assist in collecting and analyzing acoustic data, including the characteristics of sounds produced by these species, natural phenomena, and or/ by human activities; as well as determining the impacts of those sounds on the behavior, health, population, and ecology of these protected species. The goal of PAB is to use passive acoustic technologies to assist in the management of protected marine species, evaluate the impacts of human-produced sounds on acoustically sensitive marine mammals and other animals, and to aid in conservation and public outreach efforts.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Collect and analyze passive acoustic data, both archival and real time, and assess the presence, distribution, behavior, and habitat use of marine species, including mammals and fishes.
• Use passive acoustic data (archival and real time) to analyze anthropogenic sound sources and/or soundscapes using manual and/or automated acoustic detectors
• Using automated acoustic detectors such as the Low-Frequency Detection and Classification System (LFDCS) and evaluating how to improve performance of them, as needed
• Contribute to the Passive Acoustic Cetacean Map (PACM) by evaluating cetacean call detections collected from field units and checking them for quality, then adding files to the relevant databases that are used for PACM
• Assist with real time acoustic evaluation efforts (i.e. slocum gliders) as needed
• Help integrate acoustic, visual, and oceanographic datasets to better understand species movement and behaviors
• Oversee or contribute to field operations, including preparation and de-staging for field efforts. Support other Protected Species Division field surveys (as needed)
• Use and maintain government issued equipment (laptops, PCs, hard drives, etc). Perform all expected government protocols for data collection, recording, and editing, as well as data processing, archiving, and data entry systems.
• Use and maintain all government issued manuals.
• Maintain existing passive acoustic hardware including bottom mounted hydrophones (casing, anchors, etc) and mobile devices, such as cables for hydrophone arrays and drifting records. Assist in the construction of new hardware or devices to better anchor and protect hydrophones, cables, etc.
• Assist Project Lead with activities to improve data collection, develop analytical approaches to acoustic research, and writing up scientific manuscripts for publication.
• Prepare and present results of acoustic research to relevant conferences, workshops, and seminars.
• Contribute to writing research cruise reports, permit applications, manuscripts, and presentations
• Assist with public education and outreach activities conducted by the Passive Acoustic Branch

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on the 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:

• Requires an MSc (or equivalent experience) and one or more years of additional experience.
• Significant experience with acoustic analysis software platforms, such as Raven, Ishmael, Pamguard, Triton, Pamguide, and other Matlab-based signal analysis software.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written (including visual presentations) with a variety of audiences including technical, scientific, and the general public.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team that experiences quick changes to priorities.
• Needs to adapt quickly to changing situations and work with team to meet often strict deadlines. Should be able to complement the needs of the team and be able to step in when needed (example: assisting with deploying/collecting field units if team member cannot do it).
• Must be a self-starter to complete assigned tasks and have strong time management skills with precise attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent experience
• Experience with one or more of the acoustic software platforms mentioned above
• Experience working offshore on small vessels (~40 – 75 ft)
• Scientific and technical writing skills

Travel:

• Domestic and international travel may be required as follows: attendance at project-related workshops and conferences, in addition to working group meetings.
• It is anticipated there would be less than three (3) travel events per year, excluding field work.
• Fieldwork will involve data collection conducted at sea, primarily in the North Atlantic U.S. waters, though international and waters of other countries will also be surveyed at times.

Location:

• 166 Water St, Woods Hole, Ma, 02543