CSS, Inc. is looking for a qualified Bioinformaticist to support the Marine Mammal & Turtle Division (MMTD) of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC). The candidate will conduct and support research to improve laboratory and data analysis techniques to help understand the distribution and abundance of marine and anadromous species and improve the effectiveness of fishery management and conservation of anadromous and marine organisms at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center within the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division and across multiple divisions. The candidate will also perform research developing, refining, and utilizing molecular techniques to investigate various marine and anadromous species, as well as participate in laboratory, field, and statistical projects and contribute substantively to research on molecular techniques for fisheries management, including eDNA.

Location: Miami, FL, Beaufort, NC, or Pascagoula, MS (On Site)

Responsibilities

Data Analysis

• Use statistics and computational approaches to assess data and results that influence the management of fisheries and conservation of a variety of marine and anadromous taxa. Continue the development of robust data management planning and execution to meet all requirements of the Public Access to Research Results (PARR) Act.
• Provide analysis of existing and future genomic datasets, and facilitation of project lead analysis, including the development and testing of tools, as needed, to include RADseq analysis, WGS to variant calling, population genomics, landscape genetic analysis, source-sink dynamics, CKMR, metabarcoding bioinformatics analysis in marine fish and mammal species, and analysis of eDNA data.
• Work closely with the program manager to identify research priorities for the group and conduct project management to ensure that data is delivered efficiently and accurately. Construct deadlines and ensure that these deadlines are being met or adjusted accordingly. Manage laboratory approaches, including assisting with purchasing and inventory, and training new employees.
• Occasionally participate in the collection and analysis of data on anadromous or marine organisms.

Coordination and Collaboration

• Establish and nurture effective partnerships with internal and external scientists and resource managers from other National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offices, Federal and State agencies, academic institutions, and international institutions.
• Collaborating with internal and external groups to aid in the sharing of information to meet common objectives.

Reporting and Publication

• Prepare management reports, information products, and presentations for both general and technical audiences. Participate in publishing research in scientific journals as lead or co-author.
• Assisting with the development of reports, papers, presentations, or briefs on marine or fisheries-related information.

Project-Specific Meetings

• Attend planning and coordination meetings with MMTD researchers either virtually or in person.

Qualifications

• MS Degree (or higher) in Marine Science, Biology, Oceanography, Ecology, Statistics, or a related field of study or BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus five years of relevant experience
• Ability to go to sea (generally < 1 week)
• Experience leading a small team preferred
• Expertise in Bioinformatics
• Ability to present and publish to peer-review audiences and journals
• Experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis, including RNA-seq, exome-seq, whole-genome and targeted sequencing, and methylation analysis.
• Strong knowledge of R/Bioconductor, Python, and other programming languages used in data science and bioinformatics.
• Experience with data visualization tools/libraries such as ggplot, heatmaps, or dimension reduction techniques.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, R) and knowledge of software engineering best practices are expected.
• Working knowledge of marine mammal or marine science research activities.
• Ability to lift/carry at least 40lbs and work outdoors for extended periods.
• Initial physical exam and/or periodic medical monitoring, including drug screening, may be required for sea-going roles
• Ability to pass a National Agency Check (NACI) and maintain it throughout the duration of employment.
• US Citizenship or legal permanent residence ("green card") is required

The role is contingent upon CSS winning the contract, please note it can take several months before we know whether this role will be filled.