Biologist - Integrated Ecosystem Research Program; IERP

Position: Biologist - Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (IERP) Support
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Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking applicants to provide biological laboratory support for processing crab, fish, and zooplankton samples to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (IERP), Auke Bay Laboratories in Juneau, AK and Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, OR. 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. We are seeking applicants for this position prospectively, which is dependent on award of contract

Background

AFSC conducts fisheries oceanographic research in Alaska's marine waters, including annual surveys in the Bering Sea. Collaborative research within AFSC and with external partners, as part of the Northern Bering Sea IERP, uses data and samples collected during these surveys to determine how environmental variation affects survival and recruitment of commercially important fish, including salmon and groundfish, and crab species.

These positions will aid NOAA biologists in processing samples in the laboratory and data from surveys to support ongoing fisheries oceanographic research. The tasks involve sample processing of crab, fish, and zooplankton including: sample collection, inventories, laboratory analyses, and data entry. This requirement involves sample processing in the laboratory and participation in ocean going surveys.

Tasks

The employees shall provide biological laboratory support for processing crab, fish, and zooplankton samples. Protocols for each type of laboratory procedure are provided and must be followed to ensure data comparable between years for long term data sets. Number of samples typically processed varies each year which is determined by the amount of research projects.

The employees shall:

• 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

In addition for Juneau, AK:

• Analyze fish with PARR Instrument Company semi-microbomb calorimeter for energy density
• Prepare samples for lipid analysis
• Prepare samples for isotope analysis

In addition for Newport, OR:

• Chemically extract marine samples for total lipids
  
  Analyze marine samples for total lipids and lipid classes using thin layer chromatography with flame ionization detection ()
• 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 ()

Start Date: Contingent upon award of contract

Location: Auke Bay Laboratories, Juneau, Alaska or Hatfield Marine Science Center - Newport, OR

Travel: Travel is anticipated. Departures and return dates will be finalized prior to travel and may vary. The current projected schedule is up to 2 overnight trips per summer to meet a survey vessel. Each trip to meet a vessel will likely occur from Juneau, AK to Dutch Harbor, Nome, or Barrow but could encompass other locations throughout Alaska. In addition, Newport, OR personnel will travel to support Auke Bay Labs in Juneau, AK for a 1 week-long trip each winter/spring to assist with sample processing.

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $20.00 - $45.00 per hour.

Requirements

Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:

• Educational Background: None to Bachelor's - preferably has completed college level course work in a field related to the requirements with emphasis in fisheries,…