Biological Scientist

POSITION DESCRIPTION :

The Biological Scientist will support the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) Population Biology Branch by collecting, processing, and analyzing biological samples and associated data from both laboratory and field environments. Responsibilities include sorting, identifying, and preserving specimens; entering and reporting data; and conducting descriptive analyses using microscopes, imaging tools, and specialized software. The scientist will assist in oceanographic and fisheries sampling, including finfish, elasmobranch, and invertebrate collections, as well as in laboratory experiments related to age, reproduction, and diet studies. Participation in at-sea research surveys is required one to four times per year, totaling 5 to 50 days annually. The position also involves collaborating on data interpretation, maintaining databases, preparing graphics and figures for scientific publications, and contributing to outreach activities, meetings, and workshops. Special projects may include histological assessments, data analysis from relational databases, and preliminary scientific evaluations. Flexibility in scheduling, including occasional extended hours or weekends, is expected to meet time-sensitive research needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Collect, sort, identify, and preserve biological samples and data as required.
• Maintain or continue to process biological samples and data in the laboratory using routine methods.
• Enter data and report to the Federal Program Lead regarding progress.
• Participate in resource survey cruises once to up to four times per year (5-50 days per year) to assist in the collection of oceanographic and biological samples and data. In the laboratory, they shall assist in the processing of biological specimens.
• Assist in the use of equipment, instruments, or software to carry out standardized procedures and computations of varying complexity; and including basic, descriptive data analysis and regular communications of findings, including written summaries.
• Work at sea or in the laboratory may occasionally involve extended hours or weekends
• Provide technical support for oceanographic and fisheries sampling including assistance with finfish, elasmobranch, and invertebrate sampling; associated biological, habitat, and oceanographic sampling; supply and equipment preparation; data entry, quality assurance and control; laboratory experiments on finfish; age, reproduction, and food habits processing; fostering a safe work environment and effectively using information technology resources.
• Perform special tasks regarding ensuring data quality and providing periodic written progress reports. Participate in task / project specific workshops, scientific meetings, and outreach events.
• Conduct special projects regarding accessing data files, including from relational databases, analyzing histology preparations of fish gonads, and performing preliminary analyses.
• Conduct limited professional assignments under periodic technical supervision on all phases of assignments.
• Apply established methods, tests, procedures, and techniques, and record actions and results.
• Assist with database maintenance, queries, and summaries; preparation of graphics and support for scientific reports and documents.
• Participate in task / project specific workshops, scientific meetings, and outreach events.

REQUIREMENTS :

• Bachelor's degree with 1-2 years' experience or a Master's degree
• Experience in the identification of finfish, elasmobranchs, shellfish, and other invertebrate species commonly encountered along the Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras
• Demonstrated experience relevant to project-specific interests, including interpreting samples and data of :

fish hard parts, such as otoliths or vertebrae, for ageing,

• gonads, including maturity classification, histological methods, and fecundity
• stomach contents, specifically to identify partially or well-digested prey
• Demonstrated experience with microscopes, image analysis systems, or electronic data entry systems.
• Demonstrated experience at sea for more than one week at a time.
• Demonstrated experience dissecting fish or working with live fish in aquaria.
• Demonstrated experience with personal computers using word processing software, spreadsheets, and email.
• Demonstrated experience with database management, including relational databases; producing data summaries and reporting (Oracle, R).
• Basic statistical knowledge such as a univariate, parametric statistics course.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating on peer-reviewed scientific presentations and publications.