Statistician

Ocean Associates; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 62,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Associates Inc. seeks a qualified statistician to provide analyses for NOAA/NWFSC FE in Seattle, WA.

The role emphasizes Bayesian stats, marked-recapture methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration with fisheries scientists and tribal partners. Responsibilities include developing probabilistic models, supporting study design, data curation for mark-recapture needs, and dissemination of results through reports and conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in statistics, fisheries, ecology, or natural sciences is required.
• Strong quantitative background with coursework in statistics and probability.
• Experience with Bayesian statistics and mark-recapture methods preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide statistical analysis to inform management decisions.
• Statistically analyze spatial and temporal variability in salmon survival and migration.
• Develop probabilistic models for ecological and behavioral processes.
• Support study design and analysis for other researchers.
• Organize ecological datasets for mark-recapture modeling needs.
• Document reproducible workflows and analytical protocols.
• Publish reports and present results at meetings/conferences.
• Assist with field collection of fish/environmental data as needed.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Bayesian statistics

Mark-recapture methods

Scientific writing

Data visualization

Education

PhD degree in statistics/related field

Tools

R

Stan

JAGS

Linux

Shell scripting

Job description

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide statistical Analysis services to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), Fish Ecology Division (FE) in Seattle, WA. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services, and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.

Background

The Fish Ecology Division at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) conducts scientific research on marine and anadromous species in the Pacific Northwest and California to support management of these species as mandated by the authorizing mechanisms outlined above. Some stocks are managed under the MSA to produce abundant harvest opportunities for commercial and recreational fishermen and to meet tribal treaty obligations, while others are in decline and protected by the ESA. The NWFSC also researches ways to improve aquaculture and increase seafood safety. Holistic understanding of all factors controlling the abundance and health of fisheries and aquaculture often requires an ecosystem approach, working to understand how managed natural resources are affected by their prey, competitors, predators, habitats, and humans. This position will support NWFSC staff and interdisciplinary teams of scientists, natural resource managers, and tribal representatives to conduct ecological research on species that NOAA is mandated to manage. The NWFSC is a leader in quantitative analyses supporting fisheries management for marine and anadromous species. It produces increasingly large datasets as quantitative research techniques become more complex. Researchers examine complex relationships between managed stocks and their environments that involve highly technical statistical approaches that continue to rapidly evolve. The Center collaborates with regional partners to manage data and provide public access to empirical and modeled data products. There is a strong need for continued improvement in both the ability to conduct advanced quantitative analyses and to adeptly manage and share resulting research products. Modern fisheries management faces a growing data-capacity gap: data volume is surging while managers have less time to interpret complex research.

Tasks

• Provide statistical analysis to inform management decisions.
• Statistically analyze spatial and temporal variability in processes experienced by migrating salmon in the river systems, especially to understand survival and migration patterns through hydropower systems and through their life cycles.
• Analyze and generate relationships between fish responses (e.g. density, growth, survival, migration rate) and stressors (e.g. environmental or ecological conditions, habitat metrics, management actions, etc.) in particular life stages.
• Develop novel probabilistic mathematical and simulation models that seek to represent unique and complex ecological and behavioral processes with modern statistical methods.
• Provide statistical support for other researchers during study design and analysis.
• Organize and curate ecological datasets relevant to mark-recapture modeling needs.
• Document and share reproducible research workflows and analytical protocols to ensure scientific transparency and peer collaboration.
• Publish reports and scientific papers, and present results at regional and national meetings and scientific conferences, as needed.
• Assist with field collection of fish and environmental data in freshwater, estuarine, and nearshore marine environments of the West Coast region, as needed. This may involve riding in vehicles and/or boats.

Start Date

As soon as possible

Location

Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA, or at one of its associated field stations in WA or OR.

Travel

Travel is anticipated. A valid driver’s license must be maintained.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $45.00 - $50.00+ per hour.

Requirements

• PhD degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a field of study related to the requirements of the task order with emphasis in statistics, mathematics, fisheries, ecology, or the natural sciences is required.
• Must have a strong quantitative background with a solid foundation and extensive coursework in statistics and probability.
• Knowledge and experience in Bayesian statistics and mark-recapture methods is strongly preferred.
• Six (6) or more years of experience related to the task order, including familiarity with the species and habitats managed by NOAA Fisheries in the West Coast region.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, and experience writing reports and publishing peer-reviewed articles.
• Strong quantitative skills including extensive experience in statistical modeling and data analysis.
• Extensive experience conducting analyses and coding in R, experience with programs Stan and JAGS, and experience with open science concepts.
• Strong computational skills, including the ability to manipulate large environmental datasets within a command-line environment (e.g., Linux/shell scripting) to support statistical workflows.
• Familiarity interpreting or interfacing with C or C++ code within a scientific modeling context.
• Familiarity with common software including Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to manage workload, stay organized, and produce high-quality work products efficiently.
• Ability to work both independently and on interdisciplinary teams.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check.

OAI does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law.

OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to self-identify their veteran status. OAI is required to use the information it collects as part of its future affirmative action efforts in hiring. The information is collected anonymously by computer and is not connected to your application. You will see a place to check a box in OAI's online application. Even though the information is anonymous, self-identification is voluntary. You can always check the box that says you decline to self-identify.

Note: If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work, we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you, please let us know in the "Notes" section on the second page of the online application.