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Jr. Research Acoustician
A.I.S. Inc.
Woods Hole, Falmouth, MA, USA
Posted on Jul 3, 2025
A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline.
AIS is looking for a Jr. Research Acoustician tocollect and analyze passive acoustic data, both archival and real time, and assess the presence, distribution, behavior, and habitat use of marine species, including mammals and fishes in support of The Passive Acoustic Branch (PAB) at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). This position is part of a contract opportunity we are currently bidding on.
Primary Function:
The Passive Acoustic Branch (PAB) at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) studies Marine mammals, fishes, and other animals, how they use and perceive sound, and assess how this information can be used to inform wildlife management in terms of where and how these animals occur and respond to natural and human-caused sounds over time. The goal of PAB is to use passive acoustic technologies to assist in the management of protected marine species, evaluate the impacts of human-produced sounds on acoustically sensitive marine mammals and other animals, and to aid in conservation and public outreach efforts.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Collect and analyze passive acoustic data, both archival and real time, and assess the presence, distribution, behavior, and habitat use of marine species, including mammals and fishes.
- Use passive acoustic data (archival and real time) to analyze anthropogenic sound sources and/or soundscapes using manual and/or automated acoustic detectors
- Using automated acoustic detectors such as the Low-Frequency Detection and Classification System (LFDCS) and evaluating how to improve performance of them, as needed
- Contribute to the Passive Acoustic Cetacean Map (PACM) by evaluating cetacean call detections collected from field units and checking them for quality, then adding files to the relevant databases that are used for PACM
- Assist with real time acoustic evaluation efforts (i.e. slocum gliders) as needed
- Help integrate acoustic, visual, and oceanographic datasets to better understand species movement and behaviors
- Oversee or contribute to field operations, including preparation and de-staging for field efforts. Support other Protected Species Division field surveys (as needed)
- Use and maintain government issued equipment (laptops, PCs, hard drives, etc). Perform all expected government protocols for data collection, recording, and editing, as well as data processing, archiving, and data entry systems.
- Use and maintain all government issued manuals.
- Maintain existing passive acoustic hardware including bottom mounted hydrophones (casing, anchors, etc) and mobile devices, such as cables for hydrophone arrays and drifting records. Assist in the construction of new hardware or devices to better anchor and protect hydrophones, cables, etc.
- Assist Project Lead with activities to improve data collection, develop analytical approaches to acoustic research, and writing up scientific manuscripts for publication.
- Prepare and present results of acoustic research to relevant conferences, workshops, and seminars.
- Contribute to writing research cruise reports, permit applications, manuscripts, and presentations
- Assist with public education and outreach activities conducted by the Passive Acoustic Branch
Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on the candidates’ depth of experience. This is a full–time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant science subject or equivalent experience.
- Requires two years of experience working with passive acoustic analysis and the relevant target acoustic signals of interest; target signals will vary according to project.
- Familiarity with acoustic software platforms including: Raven, Ishmael, Pamguard, Triton, and/or other Matlab-based signal analysis software
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including visual presentations. Should be able to communicate with a variety of audiences including technical, scientific, and the general public.
- Ability to work independently and in a team that experiences quick changes to priorities. Needs to adapt quickly to changing situations and work with team to meet often strict deadlines. Should be able to complement the needs of the team and be able to step in when needed (example: assisting with deploying/collecting field units if team member cannot do it). Must be a self-starter to complete assigned tasks and have strong time management skills with precise attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications:
- MSc degree in a relevant area or three years of experience.
- Significant experience with acoustic analysis software platforms, such as Raven, Ishmael, Pamguard, Triton, Pamguide, and other acoustic software programs.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written (including visual presentations) with a variety of audiences including technical, scientific, and the general public.
- Some experience giving presentations and report writing.
Travel:
- Domestic travel may be required as follows: offshore survey support, attendance at project-related workshops and conferences, in addition to working group meetings.
- Anticipated three (3) travel events per year, excluding field work.
Location:
- 166 Water St, Woods Hole, Ma, 02543
Contact:
If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:
- Resume
- Cover letter detailing relevant experience.
- 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number)
All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please reach out to our Talent Team or call 508-990-9054.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.
Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer