Oceanographic Research Analyst - IBSS Corporation

Job Title: Oceanographic Research Analyst
Location: Narragansett, RI/ Remote
Clearance Required: Public Trust Eligible


Description (scope of work)
IBSS is seeking a Full Time Oceanographic Research Analyst to conduct research that will contribute to a Department of Energy-funded project on Wildlife and Offshore Wind (WOW) led by Duke University in collaboration with other regional institutions. This research will provide oceanographic, ecological, and prey data to inform wildlife models and tagging data associated with the assessment of the impact of offshore wind development on marine wildlife, primarily protected species such as baleen whales.


Key Responsibilities:

• Research zooplankton distribution in southern New England with the eventual goal of developing a statistical model describing the distribution and abundance of species that plays a key role in the ecosystem and as prey for baleen whales
• Evaluate existing data layers (satellite data, bathymetry, existing model outputs) for associations with zooplankton distributions
• Explore data sources not yet employed in similar efforts, which may include downscaling ocean model data to finer spatial scales, or incorporating new data streams such as current data derived from high frequency radar
• Assess advective or aggregating effects on the distribution of plankton in the region, and examine the seasonal progression of whale prey relative to whale distribution
• Evaluate both the observed patterns and the drivers behind these patterns:
• Examine the timing of right whale prey presence in different areas and how that aligns with dominant currents and plankton supply
• Assess oceanographic frontal or aggregating features and how they move across time and space
• Statistical modeling of the distribution and abundance of zooplankton data, and data analysis and processing of complex oceanographic data to be included in modeling efforts, such as remotely sensed satellite data, ocean model outputs, and surface currents derived from radar
• Present modeling efforts to colleagues, professionals, and the public, and writing reports and/or journal articles on the research conducted

Required Skills /Education/ Certifications & Qualifications:

• Masters degree in physical or biological oceanography or similar field and experience working with ocean data and conducting species distribution models
• Strong statistical background to conduct species distribution models and related analysis
• R and/or Python experience required
• An understanding and interest in linking the physical aspects of oceanography to biological components and higher trophic levels is strongly encouraged

About IBSS Corp.

Since 1992, IBSS, a woman-owned small business, has provided transformational consulting services to the Federal defense, civilian, and commercial sectors. Our services include cybersecurity and enterprise information technology, environmental science and engineering (including oceans, coasts, climate, and weather), and professional management services.

Our approach is to serve our employees by investing in their growth and development. As a result, our employees bring greater capabilities and provide an exceptional level of service to our clients. In addition to creating career development opportunities for our employees, IBSS is passionate about giving back to the community and serving the environment. We strive to leave something better behind for the next generation.

We measure our success by the positive impact we have on our employees, clients, partners, and the communities we serve. Our tagline, Powered by Excellence, is a recognition of the employees that make up IBSS and ensures we deliver results with quality, applying industry best practices and certifications.

IBSS offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage with company-paid deductible, paid time off, federal holidays, matching 401K plan, tuition/professional development reimbursement, and Flex-Spending (FSA)/Dependent Care Account (DCA) options.

IBSS is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Click https://www.eeoc.gov/poster to see, The EEO is the law.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the HR Department, Francesca Urrutia at (703) 826-4302, or email at HR@ibsscorp.com