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