Acoustician – Cetacean Data Analysis & Processing Support

Lynker Corporation is seeking to hire three (3) Acousticians to support a contract with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), Protected Species Division (PSD). These are full-time positions that may be performed on-site or remotely, with anticipated travel in support of meetings, workshops, and field activities. The positions are anticipated to begin on September 30, 2026. Hiring for these positions will be contingent on contract award. Lynker will be operating under its FLOAT joint venture, a NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0 prime contract holder.PIFSC PSD uses passive acoustic monitoring data to support cetacean population assessments and analysis of ocean soundscapes across the Pacific Islands Region. The tasks for these positions will support larger analysis efforts at PIFSC. Work will include analysis of datasets collected from stationary, drifting, moored, towed, and autonomous platforms to evaluate cetacean vocalizations, behavior, occurrence, and relationships to habitat and environmental conditions.This Contract is Contingent on Contract Award. TasksThe selected candidate will provide passive acoustic data analysis, processing, and data management support, including the followingConduct analyses of passive acoustic datasets to support detection, classification, and localization of cetaceansCharacterize cetacean vocalizations and evaluate behavior, occurrence, abundance, seasonality, and habitat relationshipsDevelop and validate automated detection and classification approaches, including call-level annotation and manual validationAnalyze datasets collected from multiple platforms, includingLong-term stationary recordersTowed hydrophone arraysDrifting acoustic recordersAutonomous systems (e.g., Seagliders)Apply statistical and quantitative approaches to support stock assessments and ecological analysesSupport Seaglider and advanced acoustic analyses, includingClassification of cetacean sounds to species where possibleValidation of automated classifiers through manual reviewApplication of sound propagation models using Python and cloud-based toolsProcess acoustic datasets for analysis, includingConversion of raw data formats into usable files (e.g., WAV)Debugging problematic data filesPerforming quality assurance and quality control checksArchive and manage datasets, includingStorage on program and cloud serversPreparation for submission to NCEIMaintenance of dataset logs and issue trackingMaintain and update acoustic metadata databases (e.g., TETHYS, Makara, NCEI), including uploading and quality-checking detection and classification dataConduct quantitative soundscape analyses, including computation of ambient noise metrics and evaluation of trends across multiple temporal scalesMaintain logs of datasets analyzed, analytical methods, outputs, and issues encounteredMaintain analysis code and workflows in repositories such as NMFS GitHub EnterpriseAssist with preparation of technical reports, manuscripts, presentations, and data visualizationsParticipate in meetings, workshops, and conferences to present progress and support collaborationDeliverablesDeliverables shall include, but are not limited toMonthly progress reports summarizing accomplishments, issues encountered, travel and outcomes, and recommendationsMaintenance of logs documenting analyzed datasets, analysis methods and outputs, and data issues and resolutionsMaintenance of analysis code in publicly accessible repositories with appropriate documentationDraft reports or manuscripts documenting analytical methods and findings, including associated metadataProcessed and archived datasets, including QA/QC documentation and updates to metadata systemsMinimum RequirementsBachelor’s degree in marine biology, oceanography, acoustics, fisheries science, or related fieldWorking knowledge of underwater acoustic theory and practice, including acoustic propagation, sound measurement, and standard signal processing techniquesExperience developing, testing, and validating automated detectors and classifiers for use on passive acoustic datasetsExperience processing acoustic data to extract soundscape and ambient noise measurements at hourly to yearly timescales.Ability to design, execute, and interpret statistical analyses of animal abundance to evaluate patterns in occurrence or associations with habitat or fishery variables.Prior experience drafting reports and presenting project results at scientific meetingsProficiency in MATLAB and R programming languages, including MATLAB-based acoustic analysis software Triton.Proficiency with passive acoustic metadata databases such as TETHYS and Makara, including organization of data for input, and query for extracting, evaluating, and using acoustic deployment and detection data stored within the databases.Proficiency in use of open science practices in data analysis, including use of GitHub or other resources for maintaining and archiving analysis codeProficiency with MS Office Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree or higher in marine biology, oceanography, acoustics, fisheries science, or related fieldExperience with acoustic localization techniques, including evaluation of automated algorithms within the standard processing software PAMGUARD, and developing of novel processing and evaluation code.Place of PerformanceWork may be conducted on-site at PIFSC or remotely, depending on project needs and approval.TravelTravel is anticipated for participation in workshops, conferences, and working group meetings, as well as potential field or at-sea support activities.Additional RequirementsAbility to manage large datasets and maintain detailed documentation of analyses and workflowsAbility to prepare technical reports and present findingsAbility to obtain and maintain required data access permissions, including signing Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) where applicableAbout LynkerLynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities - creatively and effectively.Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the followingComprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly costHealthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and visionPersonal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidaysHighly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks401(k) retirement plan with company-matchingEmployee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - we're all company owners!Flexible spending accountsEmployee assistance program (EAP)Short- and long-term disability insuranceLife and accident insuranceTuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per yearSpot bonuses for exceptional performanceAnnual Employee Recognition Awards with bonusesEmployee Referral ProgramFree centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pacePersonalized career growth plans for every employeeLynker is an E-Verify employer.Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws. This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT), a partnership between Lynker and Fisheries Immersed Sciences Hawaii (FISH) serving the NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0 IDIQ contracting vehicle.⚠️ Fraud Alert Recruitment Scam Warning Lynker has been made aware of fraudulent individuals posing as Lynker recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. All legitimate Lynker job postings are listed on our official careers page. Communication from Lynker recruiters will come from an official @lynker.com email address.