Scientific Research and Technical Services Department Jobs

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 Bioinformaticist to support SEFSC Marine Mammal & Turtle Division (MMTD). Primary Function: The Bioinformaticist will conduct and support research to improve laboratory and data analysis techniques to understand the distribution and abundance of marine and anadromous species at SEFSC MMTD. The role involves developing, refining, and utilizing molecular techniques to investigate marine organisms; analyzing genomic datasets including RADseq, WGS, population genomics, metabarcoding, and eDNA; and participating in the NMFS Omics network of bioinformaticists and Omics specialists across NMFS. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding. Duties / Responsibilities: Use statistical and computational approaches to assess data and results that influence fisheries management and conservation of marine and anadromous taxa. Continue development of robust data management planning and execution to meet all requirements of the Public Access to Research Results (PARR) Act. Collaborate with the program manager to identify research priorities and conduct project management to ensure efficient and accurate data delivery; construct and manage deadlines. Manage laboratory approaches including assisting with purchasing, inventory management, and training new employees. Occasionally participate in the collection and analysis of data on anadromous or marine organisms, including fieldwork (generally less than 1 week at sea). Establish and nurture effective partnerships with internal and external scientists and resource managers from NOAA offices, Federal and State agencies, academic institutions, and international institutions. Collaborate with internal and external groups to facilitate information sharing toward common objectives. Prepare management reports, information products, and presentations for both general and technical audiences. Participate in publishing research in scientific journals as lead or co-author; assist with development of reports, papers, presentations, and briefs on marine or fisheries-related information. Attend planning and coordination meetings with MMTD researchers virtually or in person. Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on 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: BS Degree in Marine Science or related field plus five years of relevant experience. Bioinformatics expertise, including experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis (RNA-seq, exome-seq, whole-genome and targeted sequencing, methylation analysis). Strong knowledge of R/Bioconductor, Python, and other programming languages used in data science and bioinformatics. Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, R) and knowledge of software engineering best practices. Experience with data visualization tools/libraries such as ggplot, heatmaps, or dimension reduction techniques. Ability to present and publish to peer-reviewed audiences and journals. Ability to go to sea (generally less than 1 week) and lead a small team. Working knowledge of marine mammal or marine science research activities. Preferred Qualifications: MS Degree (or higher) in Marine Science, Biology, Oceanography, Ecology, Statistics Experience with population genomics, landscape genetic analysis, source-sink dynamics, CKMR, and metabarcoding bioinformatics in marine fish and mammal species. Experience with analysis of eDNA data. Travel: Travel is required. Field participation in MMTD marine mammal and turtle research; survey equipment logistics; meetings, workshops, and conferences. Location:   3209 Frederic Street, Pascagoula, Mississippi, 39567 (SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory) An Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer

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 Bioinformaticist to support SEFSC Marine Mammal & Turtle Division (MMTD). Primary Function: The Bioinformaticist will conduct and support research to improve laboratory and data analysis techniques to understand the distribution and abundance of marine and anadromous species at SEFSC MMTD. The role involves developing, refining, and utilizing molecular techniques to investigate marine organisms; analyzing genomic datasets including RADseq, WGS, population genomics, metabarcoding, and eDNA; and participating in the NMFS Omics network of bioinformaticists and Omics specialists across NMFS. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding. Duties / Responsibilities: Use statistical and computational approaches to assess data and results that influence fisheries management and conservation of marine and anadromous taxa. Continue development of robust data management planning and execution to meet all requirements of the Public Access to Research Results (PARR) Act. Collaborate with the program manager to identify research priorities and conduct project management to ensure efficient and accurate data delivery; construct and manage deadlines. Manage laboratory approaches including assisting with purchasing, inventory management, and training new employees. Occasionally participate in the collection and analysis of data on anadromous or marine organisms, including fieldwork (generally less than 1 week at sea). Establish and nurture effective partnerships with internal and external scientists and resource managers from NOAA offices, Federal and State agencies, academic institutions, and international institutions. Collaborate with internal and external groups to facilitate information sharing toward common objectives. Prepare management reports, information products, and presentations for both general and technical audiences. Participate in publishing research in scientific journals as lead or co-author; assist with development of reports, papers, presentations, and briefs on marine or fisheries-related information. Attend planning and coordination meetings with MMTD researchers virtually or in person. Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on 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: BS Degree in Marine Science or related field plus five years of relevant experience. Bioinformatics expertise, including experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis (RNA-seq, exome-seq, whole-genome and targeted sequencing, methylation analysis). Strong knowledge of R/Bioconductor, Python, and other programming languages used in data science and bioinformatics. Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, R) and knowledge of software engineering best practices. Experience with data visualization tools/libraries such as ggplot, heatmaps, or dimension reduction techniques. Ability to present and publish to peer-reviewed audiences and journals. Ability to go to sea (generally less than 1 week) and lead a small team. Working knowledge of marine mammal or marine science research activities. Preferred Qualifications: MS Degree (or higher) in Marine Science, Biology, Oceanography, Ecology, Statistics Experience with population genomics, landscape genetic analysis, source-sink dynamics, CKMR, and metabarcoding bioinformatics in marine fish and mammal species. Experience with analysis of eDNA data. Travel: Travel is required. Field participation in MMTD marine mammal and turtle research; survey equipment logistics; meetings, workshops, and conferences. Location:   101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516 (SEFSC Beaufort Laboratory) An Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer

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 Fisheries Biologist I (Electronic Reporting Support) to support NOAA SEFSC Fisheries Statistics Division (FSD). Primary Function: The Fisheries Biologist I (Electronic Reporting Support) provides logbook distribution, receipt, data entry, validation, and quality control support for commercial fishermen's logbooks required by the SEFSC for Highly Migratory Species, Coastal Fisheries, and the wreckfish fishery. The position also monitors a permit holder phone line and participates in public outreach activities. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding. Duties and Responsibilities Annually distribute logbooks via U.S. mail to permit holders, ensuring correct logbook type and supplementary form inclusion. Travel locally via GOV vehicle to the post office to pick up incoming logbooks. Process incoming logbooks: stamp as received, organize forms, and assign schedule numbers. Monitor a permit holder phone line each business day; respond to inquiries within 4 business days or escalate as appropriate. Mail wreckfish logbook and dealer reporting forms to permit holders annually by March 20th. Perform data entry and validation of various logbook and dealer reporting forms. Complete logbook processing from receipt to master data within 46 calendar days. Participate in SEFSC-sponsored outreach events (Open Houses, Youth/Career Fairs) to explain logbook program goals and methods. Submit required monthly and annual written status and completion reports to the Chief, Fisheries Monitoring Branch. Compensation Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on 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 BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study, OR three (3) years of relevant experience. Computer literate and experienced with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs. Preferred Qualifications Experience collecting catch and effort information from commercial fishers. Travel: Local travel via government vehicle required (minimal). Location: 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida, 33149 ( SEFSC Miami Laboratory) An Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer

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 Fisheries Biologist (Lab & Field Support) to support the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (IERP). Primary Function Under direction of NOAA AFSC biologists, the Fisheries Biologist will support ongoing fisheries oceanographic research associated with the Northern Bering Sea IERP. The position involves hands-on laboratory sample processing of crab, fish, and zooplankton specimens collected during annual Bering Sea surveys, as well as participation in ocean-going research surveys aboard NOAA research vessels. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding. Duties and Responsibilities Inventory samples arriving at the laboratory Measure length and weight of organisms Removal of otoliths for fish Removal of tissue pieces for genetics Removal of tissue pieces for Isotopes Removal of fish stomachs and tissues for diet and energetic work Homogenize samples Chemically extract marine samples for total lipids Analyze marine samples for total lipids and lipid classes using thin layer chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC_FID) Derivatize marine lipid samples into fatty acid methyl esters using acid catalyzed transesterification Analyze fatty acids in marine food web samples by integrating data from a gas chromatographer with flame ionization detection (GC_FID) Enter data accurately into established databases and conduct quality control procedures on both raw and electronic data Participate in annual field surveys aboard NOAA research vessels, assisting with zooplankton, biological and physical oceanography (CTD operations), and fish/invertebrate sampling as directed by the chief scientist Complete all required NOAA training (IT security, safety, SASH prevention, records management, laboratory hazardous chemical, large vessel marine safety, first aid/CPR) prior to or at start of performance Prepare monthly progress reports documenting accomplishments, issues encountered, and recommendations Compensation Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on 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 High school diploma required; 0–3+ years of relevant experience Ability to follow detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample processing and data entry with 95%+ accuracy Must be able to obtain a DOC/NOAA Public Trust background investigation clearance prior to beginning performance Must possess or be able to obtain REAL ID-compliant identification for facility access Preferred Qualifications College coursework in fisheries, oceanography, biology, or a related natural science field preferred (up to bachelor's degree) One year of experience in both a biology and chemistry laboratory preferred Experience working aboard research or commercial fishing vessels Experience processing larval or juvenile marine fish, including species identification at larval/juvenile stages, length and weight measurement, stomach content dissection, and otolith/fin/scale removal Demonstrated proficiency organizing field and laboratory data, including QC procedures on both raw and electronic datasets Familiarity with lipid analysis techniques (TLC-FID, GC-FID) or calorimetry instrumentation Travel Travel is required. Field survey deployments are expected each summer (2027–2030), with up to two overnight trips per year to embark/disembark NOAA research vessels in Dutch Harbor, Nome, Barrow, or other Alaska locations. Personnel will travel to Auke Bay Labs in Juneau, AK for one week-long sample processing trip per fiscal year (FY28–FY30). All travel is reimbursed in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations and must be pre-approved Location 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR (Hatfield Marine Science Center) How to Apply If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our  Careers Page  to submit the required information: Resume Cover letter detailing relevant experience. 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number) All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please reach out to our  Talent Team  or call 774-770-5833. An Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. Must be able to work in the U.S.  •  VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer

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 Field Party Chief and Component Lead II - Mesophotic Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC) to support NOAAs SEFSC Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD). Primary Function: The Field Party Chief and Component Lead II supports the MDBC survey program within NOAA SEFSC PEMD. The incumbent assists with survey coordination, leads at-sea operations as Field Party Chief or Watch Leader on ROV/AUV surveys of mesophotic and deep benthic communities (50–1800 m), manages specific survey data components, and supports analysis and publications related to DWH oil spill restoration assessments. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding. Duties / Responsibilities: Assist MDBC Project Management Leads in coordinating survey preparation, execution, and completion including scheduling, supply/equipment needs, and survey vehicle selection Serve as subject matter expert for identifying marine fishes from mesophotic and deep reef habitats Lead a specific MDBC data component (e.g., data applications); manage MDBC database, backups, and security with OMI Collate biological data inventory and mine acoustic bathymetric data; calculate species density and produce graphs Attend scientific meetings and present results; participate in outreach and education activities Assist with manuscripts for peer review; coordinate presentations and abstracts Work with MDBC personnel to integrate AI/ML automated data outputs; maintain project management tools Conduct video annotation, review, and QA/QC of ROV-based footage; manage annotation tracking sheets Coordinate daily vessel activities, personnel, positions, ports of call, and weather conditions Write cruise instructions and cruise reports; manage participant clearance paperwork Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on 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: BS Degree plus 3 years of relevant experience Computer literate; proficient with ArcGIS including Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst extensions; able to write college-level reports and make oral presentations Functional knowledge of ROV, AUV, and UUV operations; ability to develop logistical plans for at-sea operations using these assets Proficient with fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification keys; expert knowledge of major structure-forming invertebrates in mesophotic and deep benthic communities of the Gulf of America Sea going contractors must submit NOAA Health Services Questionnaire and TB Screening Form annually/biennially; must have current tetanus vaccine Knowledge of procedures when encountering endangered or threatened species Experience as lead data collector on at-sea surveys; knowledge of shipboard hydrological and biological data systems Knowledge of MDBC field sampling protocols Preferred Qualifications: MS Degree in Marine Science or related field Travel: Domestic and international travel anticipated for at-sea surveys and scientific meetings. Location: 3500 Delwood Beach Rd, Panama City, Florida 32408 (SEFSC Panama City Laboratory) An Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer

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 Survey Coordinator and Analyst III – Gulf Video Survey to support NOAA SEFSC Population and Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD). Primary Function: The Survey Coordinator and Analyst III leads coordination of the G-FISHER and PRDW surveys for the GCRF Branch within NOAA SEFSC PEMD. The incumbent manages survey logistics, leads at-sea operations as Field Party Chief, performs video annotation review, manages Oracle databases in coordination with OMI, develops relative abundance indices, supports SEDAR data workshops, and publishes scientific results. This is a senior-level science and coordination role requiring strong analytical and communication skills. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding. Duties / Responsibilities: Assist GCRF Branch Chief in coordinating all aspects of G-FISHER and PRDW survey preparation, execution, and completion Serve as Field Party Chief (FPC) at sea: coordinate vessel activities, personnel, positions, ports of call, and weather Serve as video annotation reviewer and subject matter expert for marine fishes from the Gulf of America and Caribbean Sea Serve as data steward; coordinate data standardization, backups, security, and delivery with OMI Estimate relative abundance indices for focal GCRF species in support of SEDAR and SEAFiSh Provide annual support for SEFSC Ecological Status Reports; publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals Participate in public outreach and education activities Attend professional scientific meetings and present results; coordinate abstracts and publications with GCRF Branch Chief Develop species distribution models using GIS and advanced statistical methods Work with FATES personnel to integrate automated data outputs for AI/ML interoperability Implement VIAME into QA/QC review; assist in integrating SEAMAP Reef Fish Video and Panama City Video datasets into GFISHER Oracle database Conduct data collection, biological and environmental sampling, and data processing per survey SOPs Write and review survey instructions and reports; manage GitHub project management tools for GCRF personnel Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on 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: BS Degree plus 5 years of relevant experience Advanced proficiency with word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs; capable of writing at publication level and making oral presentations• Experience as lead data collector on at-sea surveys; knowledge of shipboard SCS and SEAL data systems• Knowledge of procedures when encountering endangered or threatened species Sea going contractors must submit NOAA Health Services Questionnaire and TB Screening Form annually/biennially; must have current tetanus vaccine Proficient with fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification keys; knowledge of reef taxa from the Gulf of America Knowledge of SEAMAP field sampling protocols for reef fish Preferred Qualifications: MS Degree or higher in Marine Science or related field Travel: Domestic and international travel anticipated for at-sea surveys, SEDAR data workshops, and scientific meetings. Location: 3209 Frederic St, Pascagoula, Mississippi 39567 (Pascagoula Laboratory – SEFSC) An Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer