Junior Scientific Programmer Analyst

Position Overview

Lynker Corporation is a leading provider of innovative solutions in weather and climate science. With a commitment to excellence and passion for innovation, Lynker leverages cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise to support improved operational weather forecasts. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Junior Scientific Programmer Analyst for an upcoming long-term contract (a contingent position based upon contract award) under FLOAT – a joint venture between Lynker and Fish serving NOAA ProTech Fisheries.

Key Responsibilities

• Estimate abundance of protected species accounting for perception and availability bias; quantify distribution trends; develop spatially- and temporally-explicit density and abundance models and maps incorporating environmental factors using techniques such as Generalized Additive Models and Bayesian Hierarchical Models.
• Develop and implement improved methods to address uncertainties in analyses, including unspecified species identification, species-specific dive time corrections, incorporating passive acoustic data, and comparing with other sampling techniques such as high-definition photogrammetry line transect aerial surveys.
• Develop simulated datasets from survey outputs (e.g., line transect surveys) that incorporate various biases.
• Quantify ecological relationships between characteristics of protected species (abundance, distribution, bycatch) and their physical/biological ecosystems.
• Estimate bycatch of protected species in fisheries using government-provided observer and fishery data.
• Detect, process, and describe occurrences of bycatch events from diverse data sources using tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
• Characterize and assess impacts on protected species from climate change and anthropogenic activities, including shipping, fishing, energy development, and other human-caused potential threats.
• Conduct analyses using data from multiple survey platforms, including visual sightings, UAS imagery, environmental, acoustic, photo-ID, telemetry, and tag data.
• Assist with managing protected species research projects including organization, workflow, goal-setting, and reporting.
• Create and maintain databases for survey, environmental, tissue sample, and other data streams with user-friendly data entry and extraction processes.
• Build tools using R, RShiny, and other programming interfaces to address emerging needs.
• Produce technical and public outreach materials including reports, presentations, web content, and manuscripts.
• Synthesize and present results at conferences and other venues, and contribute to cruise reports, permit applications, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Develop scientific algorithms to identify potential targeted marine animals in digital images, documenting both false negative and false positive biases using AI and/or ML tools.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; or at least 1+ years of extensive experience or education working with and knowledge of related scientific methods.
• Experience with distance sampling methods, statistical analyses (e.g., generalized additive models) and Bayesian hierarchical models.
• Experience in developing species distribution models and creating simulated survey data (involving population dynamics, bias exploration, and uncertainty assessment).
• Proficiency in processing remote sensing data (e.g., echosounder and satellite data).
• Technical skills with open source artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques.
• Extensive experience in Oracle database design and SQL.
• Demonstrated proficiency in web design.
• Experience with bycatch estimation using observer and fishing effort data.
• Familiarity with programming using statistical software such as R, Splus, SAS, AD Model Builder, Template Model Builder, Python, C++, or similar tools; and a solid understanding of basic statistical methods.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare coverage including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation planregularly 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