Junior Scientific Programmer Analyst

Overview

Lynker Corporation is a leading provider of innovative solutions in weather and climate science. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker leverages cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise to support the creation and delivery of improved operational weather forecasts.  As part of our ongoing growth and expansion, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Junior Scientific Programmer Analyst, to support an upcoming long-term contract that we are bidding on (This will be a contingent position, based upon contract award).  Lynker will be operating under FLOAT - A "Fish" and "Lynker" Ocean Alliance Team - a Joint Venture Prime contract holder for NOAA ProTech Fisheries*.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Junior Scientific Programmer Analyst will include the following:

• Estimate abundance of protected species that account for perception and availability bias; quantify distribution trends; develop spatially- and temporally- explicit density and abundance models and maps that incorporate environmental factors using various models, including but not limited to Generalized Additive Models and Bayesian Hierarchical Models.

• Develop and implement improved methods to address uncertainties in current analyses: such as, but not limited to, unspecified species identification of groups of animals, species specific dive time corrections, incorporating passive acoustic data into estimation procedure of visual abundance estimates, comparison with other sampling techniques (such as high-definition photogrammetry line transect aerial surveys).

• Develop simulated datasets of survey output data that represent the data collected during abundance surveys (such as, but not limited to, line transect surveys) that incorporate various types of biases, where the current priority are line transect surveys.

• Quantify ecological relationships between characteristics of protected species (abundance, distribution, and bycatch) and their physical and biological ecosystems

• Estimate bycatch of protected species in fisheries using appropriate data sources, such as government-provided observer and fishery data.

• Detect, process, and describe occurrence of bycatch events from all appropriate data, such as, but not limited to, electronic monitoring data sources using appropriate tools, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and/or machine learning (ML) tools.

• Characterize and/or assess the impacts on protected species of climate change and/or anthropogenic activities that includes shipping, fishing, fishing bycatch, energy development, other human-caused potential threats, and potential mitigation measures.

• Conduct analyses of data collected from multiple survey platforms, including visual sightings, UAS imagery, environmental data, acoustic data, photo-ID data, telemetry and tag data, and other data types. 

• Assist with management of protected species research, including managing project organization, workflow, goals, and reporting.

• Create and/or maintain databases for survey data, environmental data, tissue samples, and other data streams; develop user-friendly processes to enter and extract such data.

• Build tools using R, RShiny, and other programming interfaces to suit emerging needs.

• Produce technical and public outreach materials, including preparing results for reports, presentations, web content and manuscripts.

• Synthesize and present results at relevant conferences and other venues. Contribute to the cruise report, permit applications, manuscripts and presentations.

• Develop scientific algorithms that identify potential targeted marine animals in digital images, including documenting the false negative and false positive biases using appropriate tools, such as, but not limited to, artificial intelligence (AI) and/or machine learning (ML) tools.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements for the Junior Scientific Programmer Analyst will include the following:

- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; or at least one 1 years extensive experience or education working with and knowledge of at least one of the following:

- Distance sampling methods;

- Statistical analyses (such as, generalized additive models);

- Bayesian hierarchical models;

- Development of species distribution models;

- Computer programming experience to create simulated survey data which may involve, but is not limited to population dynamics, exploration of bias and uncertainty, management strategy evaluation, predictions over time;

- Processing remote sensing data (such as, but not limited to, echosounder and satellite data)

- Technical skills working with open source artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques

- Extensive experience in Oracle database design and SQL Language.

- Demonstrated proficiency in Web design.

- Bycatch estimation using observer and fishing effort data.

- Demonstrated experience with the following skill sets:

- Some programming skills in at least one of the following platforms of statistical software R, Splus, SAS, AD Model Builder, Template Model Builder, Python, or C , or similar software.

- Experience and understanding of basic statistical methods.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small 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 following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

* This position is advertised through our joint venture, FLOAT --a partnership between Lynker and Fish, serving NOAA ProTech Fisheries.

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.