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Zooplankton Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lynker Corporation

Plankton Taxonomist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

This proposed role will provide specialized ichthyoplankton and zooplankton taxonomy, plankton sample processing, data management, analytical support, and scientific expertise in support of NOAA ...

Lynker Corporation

Plankton Taxonomist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

This proposed role will provide specialized ichthyoplankton and zooplankton taxonomy, plankton sample processing, data management, analytical support, and scientific expertise in support of NOAA ...

Lynker Corporation

Plankton Taxonomist

Pascagoula, MS

$64K - $84K/yr

This proposed role will provide specialized ichthyoplankton and zooplankton taxonomy, plankton sample processing, data management, analytical support, and scientific expertise in support of NOAA ...

Lynker

Plankton Taxonomist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

This proposed role will provide specialized ichthyoplankton and zooplankton taxonomy, plankton sample processing, data management, analytical support, and scientific expertise in support of NOAA ...

Saltwater Inc

Plankton Taxonomist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Scan and analyze invertebrate zooplankton using benchtop imaging systems (e.g., Zooscan); develop invertebrate zooplankton reference libraries needed to train AI-assisted taxonomic validation ...

AIS Inc

Plankton Taxonomist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

The taxonomist identifies marine fish larvae and invertebrate zooplankton collected in the Gulf of America to the lowest practical taxonomic level, processes plankton samples, and provides verified ...

Lynker Corporation

Plankton Taxonomist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$64K - $84K/yr

This proposed role will provide specialized ichthyoplankton and zooplankton taxonomy, plankton sample processing, data management, analytical support, and scientific expertise in support of NOAA ...

AIS, Inc.

Plankton Taxonomist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

The taxonomist identifies marine fish larvae and invertebrate zooplankton collected in the Gulf of America to the lowest practical taxonomic level, processes plankton samples, and provides verified ...

Saltwater

Plankton Taxonomist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

Scan and analyze invertebrate zooplankton using benchtop imaging systems (e.g., Zooscan); develop invertebrate zooplankton reference libraries needed to train AI-assisted taxonomic validation ...

AIS, LLC

Plankton Taxonomist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

The taxonomist identifies marine fish larvae and invertebrate zooplankton collected in the Gulf of America to the lowest practical taxonomic level, processes plankton samples, and provides verified ...

Saltwater Inc

Plankton Survey Support

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Identify zooplankton and ichthyoplankton from plankton samples collected in the western central Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America; provide verification of invertebrate zooplankton and ...

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All JobsZooplankton Jobs

zooplankton information

What is zooplankton?

A Zooplankton job typically involves the study and monitoring of small aquatic organisms that drift in water bodies. Researchers and technicians in this field collect samples, analyze species composition, and assess environmental impacts on zooplankton populations. This work is essential for understanding marine and freshwater ecosystems, as zooplankton play a key role in the food chain. Jobs in this field are often found in marine research institutions, environmental agencies, or universities.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a zooplankton research technician in a marine laboratory setting?

As a Zooplankton Research Technician, your daily responsibilities often include collecting water samples from various sites, processing and preserving zooplankton specimens, and using microscopes to identify and count different species. You may also perform data entry, assist with experimental setups, and maintain laboratory equipment. Collaboration with marine biologists and other research staff is common, especially when analyzing trends or preparing reports for ongoing projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a zooplankton researcher, and why are they important?

Zooplankton are tiny, often microscopic animals that drift in the water column of oceans, seas, and freshwater bodies. They play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by serving as a primary food source for many larger organisms, such as fish and whales. Zooplankton include a wide variety of species, including small crustaceans, jellyfish larvae, and the larval stages of many marine animals. Their populations are vital for the health of marine food webs and for the cycling of nutrients in aquatic environments.

What is the difference between Zooplankton vs Marine Biologist?

AspectZooplanktonMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a bachelor's in biology or related fieldBachelor's degree in marine biology, biology, or related field; advanced roles may require a master's or PhD
Work EnvironmentOpen water, ocean research vessels, laboratoriesResearch labs, field sites, aquariums, universities
Industry UsageEcological studies, marine food webs, environmental monitoringResearch, conservation, education, policy advising

Zooplankton are microscopic organisms drifting in the ocean, primarily involved in ecological roles like feeding and being prey. Marine Biologists study marine organisms, including zooplankton, but often work on broader research projects, conservation, and education. While zooplankton roles focus on specific ecological functions, marine biologists have a wider scope involving research, analysis, and application of marine science.

More about zooplankton jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Zooplankton jobs?

The most popular types of Zooplankton jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Zooplankton jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Zooplankton jobs are:

zooplankton jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zooplankton job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 64% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Plankton Taxonomist

Lynker Corporation

Pascagoula, MS • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Overview
Lynker Corporation is seeking a Plankton Taxonomist to support NOAA Fisheries' SEFSC Population & Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD). This proposed role will provide specialized ichthyoplankton and zooplankton taxonomy, plankton sample processing, data management, analytical support, and scientific expertise in support of NOAA fisheries research and stock assessments. *Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award.
The SEFSC Population & Ecosystems Monitoring Division conducts fishery-independent surveys and applied research supporting fisheries stock assessments and ecosystem-based fisheries management. This position will support plankton research involving larval fish and marine zooplankton collected primarily in the Gulf of America and will contribute verified taxonomic data to fisheries science and stock assessment activities.
Responsibilities
Duties of the Plankton Taxonomist will include the following:
  • Perform microscopic examination and morphometric and meristic identification of marine fish larvae collected in the Gulf of America to the lowest possible taxonomic level, including family, genus, or species.
  • Provide taxonomic verification of previously identified larval fish specimens.
  • Use microscope-digital imaging systems to image, identify, enumerate, and measure larval fish specimens.
  • Conduct analyses of imaged specimens, including morphometric measurements and shape analyses.
  • Conduct life-history analyses of larval fish specimens as needed, including otolith removal, larval aging, and gut content analysis.
  • Maintain current knowledge of plankton taxonomy and systematics.
  • Participate in ichthyoplankton taxonomy and identification workshops as needed.
  • Assist with training other staff in larval fish taxonomy as needed.
  • Assist with preparation of specimens for molecular identification and DNA barcoding to verify ambiguous morphological identifications.
  • Process plankton samples using standard laboratory methodologies, including sample splitting and aliquoting, displacement volume measurements, and manual sorting of bulk plankton samples.
  • Perform microscopic examination and morphometric and meristic identification of marine invertebrate zooplankton collected in the Gulf of America to higher-level taxonomic classifications.
  • Scan and analyze invertebrate zooplankton using benchtop imaging systems such as ZooScan.
  • Develop invertebrate zooplankton reference libraries used to train artificial intelligence-assisted taxonomic validation platforms.
  • Assist with tracking, maintaining, and curating archived plankton samples.
  • Assist with preparation of biological samples for ground and air shipment using hazardous materials including dry ice, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and formalin.
  • Perform plankton survey, ichthyoplankton, and zooplankton data entry, edits, and updates.
  • Provide verified identifications and associated plankton data supporting Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) and other stock assessment forums in support of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
  • Update relevant larval fish databases.
  • Assist with management of plankton survey data and coordination of plankton data exchanges between the Trawl and Plankton Branch and its SEAMAP and ZSiOP partners.
  • Provide ichthyoplankton and zooplankton expertise to other plankton-related research projects.
  • Contribute to research proposals, data summaries, manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, and other scientific deliverables.
  • Follow SEFSC publication procedures before publication of abstracts or manuscripts and coordinate scientific products with the Trawl and Plankton Branch Chief.
  • Support other Trawl and Plankton Branch, PEMD, and SEFSC activities as needed, including limited service as a Watch Stander on surveys and laboratory and data-management support for survey-related research.
  • Participate in public outreach and education efforts as needed.
  • Prepare for and potentially present, facilitate, or participate in workshops, scientific meetings, symposiums, and public forums.
Qualifications
The Plankton Taxonomist should have the following:
  • Master of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus a minimum of five years of relevant experience; or
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus a minimum of ten years of relevant experience.
  • Expertise in marine fish systematics, ontogeny, and larval morphology.
  • Prior experience identifying larval fish.
  • Proficiency using primary literature sources and regional taxonomic atlases.
  • Experience working with large datasets.
  • Ability to prepare college-level reports and make oral presentations.
  • Computer literacy and experience with common word-processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
  • Driver's license to operate Government vehicles.
  • For personnel participating in research cruises aboard NOAA ships, ability to meet NOAA sea-duty health requirements, including required NOAA Health Services and tuberculosis screening documentation and a current tetanus vaccination.
The ideal Plankton Taxonomist will have the following preferred qualifications:
  • Experience identifying marine zooplankton.
  • Knowledge of statistical treatment of marine plankton and oceanographic data.
  • Proficiency with EcoTaxa or similar artificial intelligence-assisted taxonomic validation platforms.
  • Experience with ImageJ or other microscope imaging software.
  • Experience with database-management software such as Excel, Access, and SQL.
  • Familiarity with R for biological data graphing, synthesis, and analysis.
  • Knowledge of techniques and instrumentation such as ZooScan and FlowCam used to gather digitized data on marine plankton specimens.
  • Experience with molecular methods used to prepare samples for species identification, including tissue sampling, DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing.
Work Environment
The position is based at the SEFSC Laboratory in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Limited work aboard NOAA ships, charter vessels, and/or small boats may be required. The position includes laboratory work involving microscopy, biological specimens, archived plankton samples, digital imaging systems, and preparation of biological samples for shipment.
Facility access is generally available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work is generally performed five days per week and does not normally exceed 40 hours per week. Work outside normal operating hours and approved overtime may be required in connection with at-sea surveys and other field activities.
Domestic and international travel may be required for or in support of at-sea surveys, project-related workshops, and working group meetings.
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 not currently funded and is contingent upon contract award. Employment is subject to successful completion of any required background checks and security processing required by the customer.

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