Research Assistant - UAS
(To apply, click the link near the bottom of this posting)
Integrated Statistics is looking for a Research Assistant to contribute
to research focused on utilizing UAS platforms (drones) for monitoring
and conservation of large whales, with focus on the North Atlantic right
whale. This position supports the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center, and is based within
the Whale Ecology Branch. The Research Assistant works in collaboration
with a multidisciplinary team to collect and analyze data related to
body size, health assessment, and behavior of right whales and other
species, using drone-based platforms. Data collected by NOAA are used to
assist in the management of protected species, evaluate the impacts of
various human activities on the species, and aid in education and
conservation efforts.
The goals of this project are to:
1. Expand the Whale Ecology's research program to include a broad suite
of health and behavioral assessment tools for North Atlantic right
whales, including photogrammetry, thermal imagery, suction-cup tag
deployment, blow sampling, and other new technologies.
2. Develop a database to house UAS-related imagery and metadata from
multiple sources.
3. Contribute to the development of standardized image analysis
protocols for measuring right whale body size under a variety of
conditions.
*Duties*
* Participate in boat-based data collection on large whales using
handheld unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Field research will take
the form of daily surveys launched from shore, as well as multi-week
shipboard surveys. Data collection may also include the deployment
of suction-cup tags from drones, depending on the candidate’s
experience.
* Manage survey and imagery data. Data processing duties will include
QA/QC of sightings and effort data, and UAS-related imagery and
metadata. Data processing will also include accurate and timely
completion of summary spreadsheets and survey reports, and
maintenance of data processing programs and databases.
* Conduct comprehensive analysis of UAS imagery data to evaluate
individual whale size, growth rates, body condition, and/or health
status.
* Collaborate with team members to integrate results from UAS analyses
with other data types, including collaborating with regional and
international partners on new applications for UAS data.
* Assist with the development of databases for efficient management of
UAS-related data.
* Assist with coordination of a workshop geared at standardizing
photogrammetry measurement protocols for right whales.
* Support management. Duties may include analyzing data and preparing
presentations for stakeholder meetings, communicating with the wider
community of remote sensing researchers in the Northeast and Canada,
and contributing to discussions related to protected species health
assessment needs.
* Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at
conferences and workshops.
*Qualifications, Experience, and Strengths*
* Master’s or higher degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Data Science,
Robotics, or related field is required.
* Expert-level proficiency with the operation of drones. Maintaining a
Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA (Part 107) is required.
* Experience with image analysis software, with specific application
to photogrammetry is required.
* Demonstrated proficiency in ArcGIS, R, Matlab and/or Python is required.
* Experience with database management with Oracle, Microsoft Access,
or SQL Server is highly desirable.
* Demonstrated statistical skill in analyzing complex data and
quantitative modeling is highly desirable.
* Experience in small boat handling is desirable.
* Ability to work independently and to work effectively in a team
setting is required.
* Demonstrated writing skills, with a history of successful delivery
of timely and clearly written communication, are required.
* Experience presenting at local, domestic, or international
scientific and/or public meetings is desirable.
* Willingness and ability to travel and conduct boat-based field work.
Travel up to 25% may be required.
* US presence and citizenship/green card.
The position is full-time (40 hours per week) and is expected to last
one year, with the possibility of extension. The rate of pay is
commensurate with experience and qualifications, and the position is
eligible for the benefits described on the Integrated Statistics
website. To apply for this position, go to
https://jobs.intstats.com/JobDetails.jsp?jobListingId=311 or visit
www.integratedstatistics.com, click Employment Opportunities, click the
job name and click the Apply Here link.
Integrated Statistics is an equal opportunity employer and will not
discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age,
color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, gender
identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification
protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with its
obligations under federal law, Integrated Statistics is committed to
taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified
women, minorities, disabled individuals, special disabled veterans,
veterans of the Vietnam era, and other eligible veterans. For assistance
with accessibility of applications, posters, forms, and/or documents,
please email the Integrated Statistics office.
--
Integrated Statistics, Inc.
16 Sumner Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
Cell: (508) 648-8308
Office: (508) 540-8560
Fax: (508) 721-6841
--
Integrated Statistics, Inc.
16 Sumner Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
Cell: (508) 648-8308
Office: (508) 540-8560
Fax: (508) 721-6841
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