Data Scientist

ECS is seeking a Data Scientist to work remotely.

The position will support NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center as part of an interdisciplinary, collaborative team. The work will support the project, The Impact of USDA Purchases on the Structure and Function of the Northeast Groundfish Fishery. While the position can be full remote, the employee may also choose to work on-site at the Science Center in Woods Hole, MA. A government-furnished laptop will be provided. Occasional domestic travel may be required for meetings.

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to document and analyze the impacts of USDA bulk purchase programs for Atlantic pollock, haddock, and redfish conducted between 2021 and 2025. The employee will help scientists and managers understand how these programs influenced seafood prices, harvest strategies, and the function of the quota (ACE) lease market.

SCOPE OF WORK

The employee shall provide technical and analytical support to complete the following three phases of the project:

• Phase 1: Data Assembly. Collect and organize data related to the timing of USDA purchases, individual dealer records, ACE lease data, and observer program data.
• Phase 2: Data Analysis. Analyze the assembled data to identify impacts on fish prices for all Northeast groundfish, quota lease prices, and changes in spatial fishing patterns. This includes assessing impacts at the vessel and community levels.
• Phase 3: Reporting. Assist in drafting a Center Reference Document that compiles all analyses, market distortion findings, and conclusions regarding fishery harvest incentives.

ACTIVITIES

• Document the timing and scope of USDA purchases to determine how they impacted local seafood producers and consumers.
• Investigate if purchase agreements incentivized the targeting of specific species in ways that distorted fresh fish and quota markets.
• Evaluate changes in fishery discard patterns and potential observer effects resulting from new harvest incentives.
• Differentiate the impacts of USDA programs from other market.

DELIVERABLES

• Dataset: A compiled database of USDA purchases, dealer records, and ACE lease market data.
• Analytical Summary: A report detailing induced changes to ex-vessel fish prices and vessel harvest strategies.
• Final Report: A draft Center Reference Document (or equivalent) suitable for peer review and management use.

Salary Range: $75,000 – $95,000

General Description of Benefits 

Qualifications

• Master’s or doctorate degree in economics, applied economics, applied social science, data science, or a related field.
• Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance. 
• Ability to conduct fundamental data processing, spatial trend analyses, imagery analysis, etc. for comparative assessments of commercial, recreational, and other fishing-related indicators or performance measures.
• Experience with the development and integration of fundamental geospatial production and database modeling techniques through innovative technology (e.g., artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud, etc.).
• Experience in advanced math programming/operations research methods, econometrics, survey statistics, geospatial analysis, R programming, R-Shiny, GIS, Python, and/or other statistical software, advanced natural resource economics and/or other human dimensions specialties (e.g., anthropology, sociology).
• Ability to conduct program planning and management in a team environment.
• Ability to develop performance metrics and milestones.
• Ability to work with diverse interagency teams.
• Commitment to collaborative open science practices that improve the transparency and reproducibility of the work.
• Ability to work independently with strong time management skills.
• Adaptability to quickly changing priorities.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience working with marine fisheries information programs or other science-based programs.