Coral Reef Watch Scientist - Coral Bleaching, Bleaching Prediction and Thermal History - Global Science & Technology, Inc.

Global Science & Technology, Inc. (GST) is seeking a Coral Reef Watch Scientist - Coral Bleaching, Bleaching Prediction & Thermal History. This position has been approved for 100% remote work unless a mandatory in-person meeting is required.

Under the aegis of NOAA Coral Reef Watch (CRW) support documentation of coral bleaching events, as well as conduct independent scientific/statistical analyses that lead to peer-reviewed publications on the topic of coral reef bleaching and its prediction via remotely sensed data.

Background: CRW uses remotely sensed data to identify physical-environmental stressors that may impact marine ecosystems and resources. Specifically, CRW utilizes satellite-derived SST and thermal anomaly algorithms to identify when and where coral reef ecosystems are at risk for coral bleaching. Coral bleaching predictions are by reef managers, scientists, and the public to understand, document, and respond to the ever-increasing threat of marine heatwaves.

Position Summary:

Prospective employees must have strong scientific credentials in oceanography, and ocean biology, and must understand remote sensing of the oceans and coastal zones, and factors affecting coral reef health. The successful candidate will work directly with the Coral Reef Watch Coordinator to ensure satisfactory completion of tasks and determination of priorities. Duties and required responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Document/archive all information and data related to domestic and international coral bleaching events
+The initial primary focus will be on documentation of the ongoing global coral bleaching event using both qualitative/quantitative field observations, as well as patterns in remotely-sensed sea surface temperatures
• Contribute to objective analysis assessing the performance of coral bleaching prediction algorithms with domestic and international partners
• Maintain/improve Coral Reef Watch's thermal history product suite and make use of products to lead scientific analysis addressing impacts of environmental memory on future prediction of bleaching
• Lead multiple scientific publications about the aforementioned topics; prioritization of paper topics will be determined via discussion with the Coordinator and key partners
• Independently identify urgent research needs and questions related to the prediction, monitoring, and impacts of coral bleaching events
• Must be proficient with data management, statistical analyses, interpretation of data, and writing up results of independent scientific analyses
• Contribute to the maintenance of Coral Reef Watch products, as well as the development of new experimental products identified via engagement with end users
• Assist the Coral Reef Watch Coordinator to build and maintain domestic and international collaborations; strong interpersonal skills are a must
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Travel to present results at international scientific conferences is required

Required Education/Experience/Skills:

• Experience working with big data sets, such as global-scale remotely sensed data
• Proficient with statistical software (e.g., R statistical environment) and use of statistics to identify significance of analysis
• Understanding of remotely sensed data and data formats (e.g., NetCDF)
• Ability to program in Python

Selected applicants will be subject to a government background investigation.

GST offers competitive salaries; vacation, sick, and holiday leave; major medical, dental, life, long-term, and short-term disability insurance; 401K retirement plan; tuition assistance; and opportunities for employee career growth and development.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. GST is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.