AUV Data Analyst

POSITION DESCRIPTION :

Think Tank is seeking an  AUV Data Analyst to support cutting-edge deep-sea ecosystem research. This role focuses on analyzing data from Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) to identify benthic fish and invertebrates, assess habitat conditions, and contribute to sustainable fisheries management along the U.S. West Coast.

The position combines fieldwork, advanced data analysis, and scientific publishing to support NOAA's mission of protecting and sustaining essential fish habitats.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

Identify and catalog benthic fish and invertebrates in AUV imagery.

Guide team members with limited species ID experience and provide training resources.

Contribute expertise to improve data workflows, QA / QC, and efficiency.

Assist in planning and conducting AUV surveys during research cruises.

Support targeted data collection in deep-sea habitats, including sponge-dominated ecosystems.

Prepare, enter, and manage datasets from underwater imagery.

Conduct statistical analyses of benthic fauna distributions using R or similar tools.

Generate spreadsheets, reports, and PowerPoint presentations summarizing results.

Draft manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications

Provide detailed descriptions and representative images of newly identified species.

Present findings at scientific meetings and workshops.

REQUIREMENTS :

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Marine Biology, Fisheries, Oceanography, Natural Science, Mathematics, Hydrology, or related fields .

Combination of degree plus 4 years' relevant experience , or a total of 8 years' combined education and experience .

Master's degree or Ph.D. may substitute for experience.

At least 6 years' experience collecting benthic invertebrate data, particularly sponges.

Proven expertise identifying cold-water sponges and fish from underwater imagery.

Strong background in statistical analysis of marine data, including use of R .

Experience with AUV / ROV-based data collection and analysis.

Prior at-sea research experience.

Demonstrated success leading or contributing to peer-reviewed publications .

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Please contact  if you encounter any issues with your application or have any questions.