Plankton Taxonomist 2026-1661 / Pascagoula

Lynker Corporation is seeking a Plankton Taxonomist to support NOAA Fisheries' SEFSC Population & Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD). This role will provide specialized ichthyoplankton and zooplankton taxonomy, plankton sample processing, data management, analytical support, and scientific expertise in support of NOAA fisheries research and stock assessments. The SEFSC Population & Ecosystems Monitoring Division conducts fishery-independent surveys and applied research supporting fisheries stock assessments and ecosystem-based fisheries management. This position will support plankton research involving larval fish and marine zooplankton collected primarily in the Gulf of America and will contribute verified taxonomic data to fisheries science and stock assessment activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform microscopic examination and morphometric and meristic identification of marine fish larvae collected in the Gulf of America to the lowest possible taxonomic level, including family, genus, or species.
• Provide taxonomic verification of previously identified larval fish specimens.
• Use microscope-digital imaging systems to image, identify, enumerate, and measure larval fish specimens.
• Conduct analyses of imaged specimens, including morphometric measurements and shape analyses.
• Conduct life-history analyses of larval fish specimens as needed, including otolith removal, larval aging, and gut content analysis.
• Maintain current knowledge of plankton taxonomy and systematics.
• Participate in ichthyoplankton taxonomy and identification workshops as needed.
• Assist with training other staff in larval fish taxonomy as needed.
• Assist with preparation of specimens for molecular identification and DNA barcoding to verify ambiguous morphological identifications.
• Process plankton samples using standard laboratory methodologies, including sample splitting and aliquoting, displacement volume measurements, and manual sorting of bulk plankton samples.
• Perform microscopic examination and morphometric and meristic identification of marine invertebrate zooplankton collected in the Gulf of America to higher-level taxonomic classifications.
• Scan and analyze invertebrate zooplankton using benchtop imaging systems such as ZooScan.
• Develop invertebrate zooplankton reference libraries used to train artificial intelligence-assisted taxonomic validation platforms.
• Assist with tracking, maintaining, and curating archived plankton samples.
• Assist with preparation of biological samples for ground and air shipment using hazardous materials including dry ice, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and formalin.
• Perform plankton survey, ichthyoplankton, and zooplankton data entry, edits, and updates.
• Provide verified identifications and associated plankton data supporting Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) and other stock assessment forums in support of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
• Update relevant larval fish databases.
• Assist with management of plankton survey data and coordination of plankton data exchanges between the Trawl and Plankton Branch and its SEAMAP and ZSiOP partners.
• Provide ichthyoplankton and zooplankton expertise to other plankton-related research projects.
• Contribute to research proposals, data summaries, manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, and other scientific deliverables.
• Follow SEFSC publication procedures before publication of abstracts or manuscripts and coordinate scientific products with the Trawl and Plankton Branch Chief.
• Support other Trawl and Plankton Branch, PEMD, and SEFSC activities as needed, including limited service as a Watch Stander on surveys and laboratory and data-management support for survey-related research.
• Participate in public outreach and education efforts as needed.
• Prepare for and potentially present, facilitate, or participate in workshops, scientific meetings, symposiums, and public forums.

Requirements

• Master of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus a minimum of five years of relevant experience; or Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus a minimum of ten years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in marine fish systematics, ontogeny, and larval morphology.
• Prior experience identifying larval fish.
• Proficiency using primary literature sources and regional taxonomic atlases.
• Experience working with large datasets.
• Ability to prepare college-level reports and make oral presentations.
• Computer literacy and experience with common word-processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
• Driver's license to operate Government vehicles.
• For personnel participating in research cruises aboard NOAA ships, ability to meet NOAA sea-duty health requirements, including required NOAA Health Services and tuberculosis screening documentation and a current tetanus vaccination.

Skills

• Experience identifying marine zooplankton.
• Knowledge of statistical treatment of marine plankton and oceanographic data.
• Proficiency with EcoTaxa or similar artificial intelligence-assisted taxonomic validation platforms.
• Experience with ImageJ or other microscope imaging software.
• Experience with database-management software such as Excel, Access, and SQL.
• Familiarity with R for biological data graphing, synthesis, and analysis.
• Knowledge of techniques and instrumentation such as ZooScan and FlowCam used to gather digitized data on marine plankton specimens.
• Experience with molecular methods used to prepare samples for species identification, including tissue sampling, DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing.

Work Environment

The position is based at the SEFSC Laboratory in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Limited work aboard NOAA ships, charter vessels, and/or small boats may be required. The position includes laboratory work involving microscopy, biological specimens, archived plankton samples, digital imaging systems, and preparation of biological samples for shipment. Facility access is generally available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work is generally performed five days per week and does not normally exceed 40 hours per week. Work outside normal operating hours and approved overtime may be required in connection with at-sea surveys and other field activities. Domestic and international travel may be required for or in support of at-sea surveys, project-related workshops, and working group meetings.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee-owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with practical solutions to help clients achieve their goals.