Fisheries Biologist (Lab & Field Support)

AIS•Newport, OR

20h•Onsite

About The Position

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is seeking a Fisheries Biologist (Lab & Field Support) to support the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (IERP). This role involves hands-on laboratory sample processing of crab, fish, and zooplankton specimens collected during annual Bering Sea surveys, as well as participation in ocean-going research surveys aboard NOAA research vessels. The primary function is to support ongoing fisheries oceanographic research associated with the Northern Bering Sea IERP under the direction of NOAA AFSC biologists.

Requirements

High school diploma required
0–3+ years of relevant experience
Ability to follow detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample processing and data entry with 95%+ accuracy
Must be able to obtain a DOC/NOAA Public Trust background investigation clearance prior to beginning performance
Must possess or be able to obtain REAL ID-compliant identification for facility access

Nice To Haves

College coursework in fisheries, oceanography, biology, or a related natural science field preferred (up to bachelor's degree)
One year of experience in both a biology and chemistry laboratory preferred
Experience working aboard research or commercial fishing vessels
Experience processing larval or juvenile marine fish, including species identification at larval/juvenile stages, length and weight measurement, stomach content dissection, and otolith/fin/scale removal
Demonstrated proficiency organizing field and laboratory data, including QC procedures on both raw and electronic datasets
Familiarity with lipid analysis techniques (TLC-FID, GC-FID) or calorimetry instrumentation

Responsibilities

Inventory samples arriving at the laboratory
Measure length and weight of organisms
Removal of otoliths for fish
Removal of tissue pieces for genetics
Removal of tissue pieces for Isotopes
Removal of fish stomachs and tissues for diet and energetic work
Homogenize samples
Chemically extract marine samples for total lipids
Analyze marine samples for total lipids and lipid classes using thin layer chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC_FID)
Derivatize marine lipid samples into fatty acid methyl esters using acid catalyzed transesterification
Analyze fatty acids in marine food web samples by integrating data from a gas chromatographer with flame ionization detection (GC_FID)
Enter data accurately into established databases and conduct quality control procedures on both raw and electronic data
Participate in annual field surveys aboard NOAA research vessels, assisting with zooplankton, biological and physical oceanography (CTD operations), and fish/invertebrate sampling as directed by the chief scientist
Complete all required NOAA training (IT security, safety, SASH prevention, records management, laboratory hazardous chemical, large vessel marine safety, first aid/CPR) prior to or at start of performance
Prepare monthly progress reports documenting accomplishments, issues encountered, and recommendations