Bioacoustics Scientist

CSS; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CSS, Inc. seeks a qualified candidate to support the Bioacoustics Science Program within SEFSC's MMTD division and manage passive acoustics research projects. Responsibilities include fieldwork, laboratory operations, and advanced data analysis to support marine mammal stock assessments and habitat protection.

The role involves deploying hydrophones, analyzing acoustic data for cetacean distribution, and coordinating with NOAA staff and management to advance research planning and execution.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in acoustics, fisheries, oceanography, natural science, mathematics, or related field.
• 10 years of experience in related fields.
• Experience analyzing anthropogenic noise in marine environments using acoustic metadata databases and software (Pamguard, Raven).
• Experience programming in MATLAB and/or R.
• Experience with real-time acoustic hydrophones and autonomous hydrophones.
• Knowledge of relevant legislative mandates (MMPA/ESA) for endangered species.
• Ability to lift/carry 40 lbs and work outdoors.
• Ability to pass a National Agency Check (NACI).
• U.S. Citizenship or legal permanent residence.

Responsibilities

• General Laboratory Management: data archiving, equipment maintenance, and hydrophone deployment/maintenance.
• Fieldwork: deployment/retrieval of hydrophones and related activities; driving government vehicles as needed.
• Analysis and Archiving of Acoustic Data: process and interpret acoustic data; manage metadata and databases; support research objectives.
• Participate in meetings with SEFSC, MMTD, and Passive Acoustic Ecology team to exchange information.

Skills

Fieldwork

Data analysis

Laboratory operations

Communication with stakeholders

Education

Ph.D. in acoustics / related field

Tools

Pamguard

Raven

MATLAB

Job description

CSS, Inc. is seeking a qualified candidate to support the Bioacoustics Science Program within the Marine Mammal & Turtle (MMTD) division of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) to develop and manage key research projects for SEFSC's passive acoustics program to: collect and analyze passive acoustic data to address distribution, ecosystem ecology, and anthropogenic impact questions to support marine mammal stock assessments and protect multiple marine species and their habitats.

The candidate will provide fieldwork and analytical services to manage current and future passive acoustic projects focused on multiple cetacean species to better understand their spatiotemporal distribution in core habitats and migratory routes for use in assessing and mitigating risks from human activities. The candidate will also conduct research to support management and conservation, including supporting research planning and execution, working with management counterparts, and supporting administrative needs.

Responsibilities

• General Laboratory Management: Provide general laboratory assistance including data archiving, computer maintenance, and construction and maintenance of acoustic hydrophone recorders (moored/drifting hydrophones, towed arrays) and associated oceanographic equipment.
• Fieldwork: Participate in fieldwork on an as-needed basis, including driving government vehicles when necessary to complete tasks. Fieldwork will include deployment/retrieval of drifting and moored hydrophones, as well as deployment and real time monitoring of towed hydrophone arrays, sonobuoys, and/or gliders. Fieldwork may also include visual observation of anthropogenic and biological activities and assistance in oceanographic data collection.
• Analysis and Archiving of Acoustic Data: Analyze and interpret archived acoustic data to detect, localize, and classify biological and anthropogenic sound sources. The candidate will conduct advanced analysis to address the NOAA Fisheries Passive Acoustic Ecology Program research objectives, including leading/developing research ideas. The candidate will be responsible for uploading all metadata to the SEFSC's acoustic databases and servers, and for the maintenance of the deployment and detections databases.
• Participate in site-specific meetings: Participate in periodic SEFSC, MMTD, and Passive Acoustic Ecology team meetings with the Program Leads, NOAA Fisheries staff, and Center leadership to exchange information and to stay informed.

Qualifications

• Ph.D from an accredited college or university in acoustics, fisheries, oceanography, natural science, mathematics, or another major directly related to the field of work
• 10 years of experience in the related fields
• Experience analyzing anthropogenic noise in the marine environment using acoustic metadata databases and scientific bioacoustics software programs, such as Pamguard or Raven, to analyze cetacean sounds.
• Experience programming in MATLAB and/or R programming languages.
• Experience with building, maintaining, & repairing real-time acoustic hydrophones (e.g. towed hydrophone arrays, sonobuoys) and autonomous hydrophones (drifting and/or moored)
• Experience with the implementation of legislative mandates, such as the Marine Mammal Protection and Endangered Species Act for highly endangered marine mammal species, e.g., Rice's whales or North Atlantic right whales.
• Ability to lift/carry at least 40lbs and work outdoors for extended periods.
• Initial physical exam and/or periodic medical monitoring, including drug screening, may be required for sea-going roles
• Ability to pass a National Agency Check (NACI) and maintain it throughout the duration of employment.
• US Citizenship or legal permanent residence ("green card") is required