Ichthyoplankton Scientist - Chief Scientist Support - Level II

Lynker

Lynker

Customer Service

La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA

USD 80k-115k / year + Equity

Posted on May 13, 2026

Ichthyoplankton Scientist – Chief Scientist Support - Level II

Location US-CA-La Jolla
ID 2026-1557
Position Type
Contract
Remote
No
Posted Salary Range
USD $80,000.00 - USD $115,000.00 /Yr.

Overview

Lynker Corporation is seeking to hire an Ichthyoplankton Scientist – Chief Scientist & Survey Operations Support to support a long-term federal fisheries and ecosystem science support program with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This is a full-time position anticipated to begin upon contract award. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award. Lynker will be operating under its FLOAT joint venture.

This program supports fisheries stock assessments and ecosystem monitoring efforts through laboratory and field collection of ichthyoplankton and biological survey data. Scientific staff support long-term ocean observing and fisheries research programs, including California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) surveys conducted throughout the California Current ecosystem.

The Ichthyoplankton Scientist will support advanced laboratory analysis and survey coordination activities, including serving as Chief Scientist on fisheries and ecosystem monitoring surveys. This role includes coordination of survey operations, oversight of scientific staff, and management of sample collection and processing activities supporting fisheries stock assessments and ecosystem monitoring.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Ichthyoplankton Scientist will include the following:

  • Perform all Level I laboratory and field sampling tasks
  • Serve as Chief Scientist on CalCOFI and related surveys
  • Plan and coordinate station activities to meet scientific objectives
  • Communicate with the vessel bridge and coordinate ship operations
  • Serve as liaison between ship crew, scientific staff, and Principal Investigators
  • Coordinate onboarding and offloading of scientific equipment and supplies
  • Schedule scientific staff and manage shift operations during surveys
  • Ensure adherence to sampling protocols and data collection standards
  • Oversee sample processing, identification, counting, and measurement activities
  • Support data analyses and contributions to scientific studies and reports
  • Prepare monthly progress reports

Qualifications

The Ichthyoplankton Scientist should have the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree plus three (3) years of relevant experience; Master’s degree plus two (2) years of relevant experience; or Ph.D. in a related field
  • Experience using a microscope to sort fish eggs, larvae, and plankton samples
  • Experience making biological measurements using laboratory instruments
  • Experience identifying fish eggs and larvae, particularly coastal pelagic species
  • Experience in plankton sample collection and processing using standard protocols
  • Experience processing fish from trawl surveys (e.g., biological sampling and measurements)

The ideal Ichthyoplankton Scientist will have the following:

  • Experience serving in a Chief Scientist or similar leadership role on research surveys
  • Experience coordinating scientific staff and at-sea operations
  • Experience working aboard research vessels
  • Experience supporting stock assessments or ecosystem monitoring programs
  • Experience contributing to scientific publications or technical reports
  • Ability to complete required medical clearances for fieldwork

Place of Performance:

On-site at SWFSC in La Jolla, CA, with laboratory work and vessel-based survey participation.

Travel:

Travel is required for research cruises and field sampling operations.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

  • Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
  • Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
  • Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
  • Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
  • Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
  • Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

* This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT), a partnership between Lynker and Fisheries Immersed Sciences Hawaii (FISH) serving the NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0 IDIQ contracting vehicle.

⚠️ Fraud Alert: Recruitment Scam Warning: Lynker has been made aware of fraudulent individuals posing as Lynker recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. All legitimate Lynker job postings are listed on our official careers page. Communication from Lynker recruiters will come from an official @lynker.com email address.

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