Bachelor's degree in marine biology, oceanography, acoustics, fisheries science, or related field
Knowledge of underwater acoustic theory, propagation, and signal processing techniques
Experience developing and validating automated detectors for passive acoustic datasets
Proficient in processing acoustic data to analyze soundscapes across various timescales
Ability to design and interpret statistical analyses of animal abundance patterns
Prior experience drafting reports and presenting scientific findings
Proficiency in MATLAB and R programming languages, with specific experience in Triton software
Experience with passive acoustic metadata databases like TETHYS and Makara
Responsibilities
Conduct analyses of passive acoustic datasets for cetacean detection and classification
Characterize cetacean vocalizations and evaluate their relationships with environmental factors
Develop automated detection and classification approaches with validation methodologies
Process and prepare datasets from various platforms for acoustic analysis
Maintain and update acoustic metadata databases, ensuring data quality
Conduct quantitative soundscape analyses and evaluate trends over time
Assist in preparing technical documentation, reports, and data visualizations
Participate in meetings and workshops to present findings and enhance collaboration
Benefits
Flexible work arrangements with opportunities for remote work
Professional development through participation in workshops and conferences
Access to cutting-edge technology and methodologies in marine acoustics
Collaboration with a diverse team of scientists and experts in the field
Opportunities to contribute to impactful research on cetacean populations
Full Job Description
Overview
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.
Responsibilities
Tasks The selected candidate will provide passive acoustic data analysis, processing, and data management support, including the following:
Conduct analyses of passive acoustic datasets to support detection, classification, and localization of cetaceans
Characterize cetacean vocalizations and evaluate behavior, occurrence, abundance, seasonality, and habitat relationships
Develop and validate automated detection and classification approaches, including call-level annotation and manual validation
Analyze datasets collected from multiple platforms, including:
Long-term stationary recorders
Towed hydrophone arrays
Drifting acoustic recorders
Autonomous systems (e.g., Seagliders)
Apply statistical and quantitative approaches to support stock assessments and ecological analyses
Support Seaglider and advanced acoustic analyses, including:
Classification of cetacean sounds to species where possible
Validation of automated classifiers through manual review
Application of sound propagation models using Python and cloud-based tools
Process acoustic datasets for analysis, including:
Conversion of raw data formats into usable files (e.g., WAV)
Debugging problematic data files
Performing quality assurance and quality control checks
Archive and manage datasets, including:
Storage on program and cloud servers
Preparation for submission to NCEI
Maintenance of dataset logs and issue tracking
Maintain and update acoustic metadata databases (e.g., TETHYS, Makara, NCEI), including uploading and quality-checking detection and classification data
Conduct quantitative soundscape analyses, including computation of ambient noise metrics and evaluation of trends across multiple temporal scales
Maintain logs of datasets analyzed, analytical methods, outputs, and issues encountered
Maintain analysis code and workflows in repositories such as NMFS GitHub Enterprise
Assist with preparation of technical reports, manuscripts, presentations, and data visualizations
Participate in meetings, workshops, and conferences to present progress and support collaboration
Deliverables Deliverables shall include, but are not limited to:
Monthly progress reports summarizing accomplishments, issues encountered, travel and outcomes, and recommendations
Maintenance of logs documenting analyzed datasets, analysis methods and outputs, and data issues and resolutions
Maintenance of analysis code in publicly accessible repositories with appropriate documentation
Draft reports or manuscripts documenting analytical methods and findings, including associated metadata
Processed and archived datasets, including QA/QC documentation and updates to metadata systems
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in marine biology, oceanography, acoustics, fisheries science, or related field
Working knowledge of underwater acoustic theory and practice, including acoustic propagation, sound measurement, and standard signal processing techniques
Experience developing, testing, and validating automated detectors and classifiers for use on passive acoustic datasets
Experience 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 meetings
Proficiency 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 code
Proficiency with MS Office
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree or higher in marine biology, oceanography, acoustics, fisheries science, or related field
Experience 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 Performance Work may be conducted on-site at PIFSC or remotely, depending on project needs and approval. Travel Travel is anticipated for participation in workshops, conferences, and working group meetings, as well as potential field or at-sea support activities. Additional Requirements
Ability to manage large datasets and maintain detailed documentation of analyses and workflows
Ability to prepare technical reports and present findings
Ability to obtain and maintain required data access permissions, including signing Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) where applicable
