Acoustician – Cetacean Data Analysis & Processing Support

The selected candidate will provide passive acoustic data analysis, processing, and data management support, including the following:

• Conduct analyses of passive acoustic datasets to support detection, classification, and localization of cetaceans
• Characterize cetacean vocalizations and evaluate behavior, occurrence, abundance, seasonality, and habitat relationships
• Develop and validate automated detection and classification approaches, including call-level annotation and manual validation
• Analyze datasets collected from multiple platforms, including:
  • Long-term stationary recorders
  • Towed hydrophone arrays
  • Drifting acoustic recorders
  • Autonomous systems (e.g., Seagliders)
• Apply statistical and quantitative approaches to support stock assessments and ecological analyses
• Support Seaglider and advanced acoustic analyses, including:
  • Classification of cetacean sounds to species where possible
  • Validation of automated classifiers through manual review
  • Application of sound propagation models using Python and cloud-based tools
• Process acoustic datasets for analysis, including:
  • Conversion of raw data formats into usable files (e.g., WAV)
  • Debugging problematic data files
  • Performing quality assurance and quality control checks
• Archive and manage datasets, including:
  • Storage on program and cloud servers
  • Preparation for submission to NCEI
  • Maintenance of dataset logs and issue tracking
• Maintain and update acoustic metadata databases (e.g., TETHYS, Makara, NCEI), including uploading and quality-checking detection and classification data
• Conduct quantitative soundscape analyses, including computation of ambient noise metrics and evaluation of trends across multiple temporal scales
• Maintain logs of datasets analyzed, analytical methods, outputs, and issues encountered
• Maintain analysis code and workflows in repositories such as NMFS GitHub Enterprise
• Assist with preparation of technical reports, manuscripts, presentations, and data visualizations
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and conferences to present progress and support collaboration

Deliverables

Deliverables shall include, but are not limited to:

• Monthly progress reports summarizing accomplishments, issues encountered, travel and outcomes, and recommendations
• Maintenance of logs documenting analyzed datasets, analysis methods and outputs, and data issues and resolutions
• Maintenance of analysis code in publicly accessible repositories with appropriate documentation
• Draft reports or manuscripts documenting analytical methods and findings, including associated metadata
• Processed and archived datasets, including QA/QC documentation and updates to metadata systems

Place of Performance

Work may be conducted on-site at PIFSC in Honolulu, Hawaii, or remotely, depending on project needs and approval.

Travel

Travel is anticipated for participation in workshops, conferences, and working group meetings, as well as potential field or at-sea support activities.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, oceanography, acoustics, fisheries science, or related field
• Working knowledge of underwater acoustic theory and practice, including acoustic propagation, sound measurement, and standard signal processing techniques
• Experience developing, testing, and validating automated detectors and classifiers for use on passive acoustic datasets
• Experience processing acoustic data to extract soundscape and ambient noise measurements at hourly to yearly timescales
• Ability to design, execute, and interpret statistical analyses of animal abundance to evaluate patterns in occurrence or associations with habitat or fishery variables
• Prior experience drafting reports and presenting project results at scientific meetings
• Proficiency in MATLAB and R programming languages, including MATLAB-based acoustic analysis software Triton
• Proficiency with passive acoustic metadata databases such as TETHYS and Makara, including organization of data for input, and query for extracting, evaluating, and using acoustic deployment and detection data stored within the databases
• Proficiency in use of open science practices in data analysis, including use of GitHub or other resources for maintaining and archiving analysis code
• Proficiency with MS Office

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in marine biology, oceanography, acoustics, fisheries science, or related field
• Experience with acoustic localization techniques, including evaluation of automated algorithms within the standard processing software PAMGUARD, and development of novel processing and evaluation code

Additional Requirements

• Ability to manage large datasets and maintain detailed documentation of analyses and workflows
• Ability to prepare technical reports and present findings
• Ability to obtain and maintain required data access permissions, including signing Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) where applicable

Additional Notes

This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT), a partnership between Lynker and Fisheries Immersed Sciences Hawaii (FISH) serving the NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0 IDIQ contracting vehicle.