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:
- 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.
- Develop a database to house UAS-related imagery and metadata
from multiple sources.
- 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.
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Integrated Statistics, Inc.
16 Sumner Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
Cell: (508) 648-8308
Office: (508) 540-8560
Fax: (508) 721-6841