Plankton Taxonomist
$72,800–$114,400 year
On-sitePascagoula, Mississippi, United States
Job Summary
Perform microscopic examination and morphometric identification of marine fish larvae and invertebrate zooplankton to taxonomic levels, utilizing microscope-digital imaging systems for enumeration, measurement, and reference library development. Conduct life history analyses including otolith removal and gut content studies, while assisting with specimen preparation for molecular identification and DNA barcoding. Process plankton samples via manual sorting, aliquoting, and hazardous material shipping, then manage and update larval fish databases to support stock assessments under the Magnuson–Stevens Act. Provide verified identifications for SEDARs, coordinate data exchanges with SEAMAP and ZSiOP partners, and contribute to research proposals, manuscripts, and technical reports. Participate in public outreach, scientific meetings, and workshops as needed, with potential deployment on NOAA ships and charter vessels.
Required Qualifications
- MS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study, plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience
- BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study, plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
- Expertise in marine fish systematics, ontogeny, and larval morphology
- Prior experience in larval fish identification
- Proficiency in using primary literature sources and regional taxonomic atlases
- Experience in working with large data sets
- Capable of writing reports at the college level and making oral presentations
- Computer literate and experience with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs
- Current tetanus vaccine (once every 10 years)
- Driver's license to operate government vehicles
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in marine zooplankton identification
- Knowledge of statistical treatment of marine plankton and oceanographic data
- Proficiency with EcoTaxa or similar AI-assisted taxonomic validation platforms
- Experience with ImageJ or other microscope imaging software
- Experience with software used for database management (e.g., Excel, Access, SQL)
- Familiarity with R (for biological data graphing, synthesis and analysis)
- Knowledge of techniques and instrumentation (e.g., Zooscan, Flowcam) used to gather digitized data on marine plankton specimens
- Experience with molecular methods needed to prepare samples for species identification (e.g., tissue sampling, DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing, etc.)
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