Quantitative Fisheries Scientist – Predation Modeling and Data Synthesis

Quantitative Fisheries Scientist – Predation Modeling And Data Synthesis

Lynker Corporation is seeking a PhD-level Quantitative Fisheries Scientist – Predation Modeling and Data Synthesis to support NOAA Fisheries' Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), Fish Ecology Division, by compiling, organizing, and analyzing spatial and temporal datasets related to predation on salmon. This proposed contract role will help transform data into actionable products that inform management decisions affecting Pacific salmon, including trophic interactions, predation pressure, predator-induced mortality, and survival rates.

Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award. Lynker will be operating under its FLOAT joint venture, a NOAA Pro Tech Fisheries 2.0 prime contract holder.

On the U.S. West Coast, predation on salmon by birds, marine mammals, and invasive fish has emerged as a critical focus of ecological research and management. As freshwater, estuarine, and ocean environments change, timely management advice relies on quantitative analysis, ecological expertise, and reproducible data synthesis. This role supports NWFSC research products used to understand predator-prey distributions, predation rates, environmental conditions, and managed fish populations.

• Compile, organize, and analyze large-scale spatial and temporal datasets.
• Evaluate effects of localized environmental conditions on predator-prey distributions and predation rates on managed fish populations.
• Synthesize analytical findings by authoring technical reports and peer-reviewed journal manuscripts.
• Present complex research results at regional management meetings and scientific conferences.
• Conduct literature reviews to summarize and document relationships among predator consumption rates, predator abundance and distribution, observed ecological outcomes, potential environmental stressors, and shifting environmental conditions.
• Support physical collection of fish and environmental data in freshwater and marine environments of the West Coast region.
• Safely operate outdoors in potentially harsh conditions, with field work that may involve driving federal vehicles, boats, and trailers.
• Standardize and share compiled data, comprehensive workflow protocols, and research products to ensure transparent, reproducible, and interactive methodologies for internal partners and external stakeholders.
• Prepare completed technical reports, peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, and/or book chapters ready for submission or publication.
• Deliver research presentations and analytical briefings to NWFSC colleagues, regional managers, and broader scientific audiences.
• Develop cleaned, compiled datasets, including predator diet composition, bioenergetics data, or abundance indices, sourced from existing databases or extracted through literature reviews.
• Maintain shared repositories, such as Git Hub, containing datasets and analytical scripts.
• Develop fully documented, reproducible analytical workflows in written reports, manuscripts, and version-controlled code repositories.

• Doctorate from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in a field of study related to the requirements of the task order, including geomorphology, oceanography, hydrology, fisheries, ecology, natural sciences, mathematics, and/or statistics.
• Five 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 skills.
• Experience writing reports and publishing peer-reviewed articles.
• Familiarity with common software used in the workplace.
• Strong quantitative skills, including familiarity with modeling and data analysis.
• Familiarity with software such as R, Git Hub, and GIS.
• Familiarity with open science concepts.
• Ability to efficiently manage dynamic workloads, maintain high organizational standards, and produce high-quality deliverables within established timelines.
• Ability to work independently in the field and…