Research Technician

Overview

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences invites applications for a Research Technician working with the National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota (NCMA).  This entry-level position will be responsible for working with the NCMA team to meet mission objectives and conduct research projects for which NCMA is funded or contracted to execute. This is a full-time (37.5hours/week) position with an ideal start date on April 1, 2025.  Starting salary is $21.57/hour, with a generous benefits package including health care, retirement contribution, and paid time off.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Applicants must hold a BS or MSc degree or possess equivalent experience in a field of biological, chemical or other environmental sciences at the time of hire. Preference is for demonstrated knowledge of and experience with cultivating microalgae;
2. Applicants must have strong oral and written communication skills. This includes, but is not limited to, ability to document daily activities; ability to keep accurate, clear and detailed records related to projects; ability to coordinate communication with multiple internal and external groups; and ability to follow clearly stated laboratory protocols;
3. Applicants must have a high level of self-confidence; the ability to independently gain new knowledge required for the conducting their tasks thoroughly; and demonstrated strong organization skills with superior attention to detail;
4. Applicants must have strong computer skills, and comfortability with using cloud-based software packages (e.g., G-suite, and other platforms);
5. The position requires the ability to work both as an individual and as part of the NCMA team, currently five staff members-this is a replacement hire and the successful applicant will overlap with the staff member who is retiring. The applicant must have a high degree of integrity, particularly with regard to the financial aspects of the job.

Responsibilities:

Conduct projects for which NCMA is funded/contracted.  This task will require reasonable microbiological/microalgae culturing skills, molecular biology skills, and skills in the mass cultivation (100’s of liters) of microalgae.  While projects will change with the funding, examples of past projects are processing and analysis of samples for biochemical characterization (bulk chemical analysis, advanced biochemical analysis using LC/MS/MS, cellular toxin content, etc.); scale up, mass culture and harvest of microalgae strains for projects in the area of sustainable aquaculture; and preparation and analysis of samples for molecular biological analysis (whole genome sequencing, molecular phylogenetic analysis, etc.)

Conduct bench projects contracted to NCMA.  This task will require reasonable microbiological/microalgae culturing skills and molecular biology skills.  Specific projects are unknown, as they are contracted, but in the past have included the following: regional scale projects isolating specific microbial lineages from natural samples; preparation of genomic DNA from algae for large scale sequencing projects; and scale up, cultivation and harvesting of microalgae cultures (10’s-100’s of liters) for downstream analysis.

Curate the NCMA Bacterial Collection. When NCMA bacterial strains are ordered, work with other NCMA curators to ship the bacterial cultures.  This task will also include growing up and preserving new bacterial culture stocks when they are depleted.

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• Position will likely involve exposure to information on proprietary research efforts and requires heightened sensitivities to intellectual property protections.
• Reporting any potential or perceived violations of applicable laws, rules, or Laboratory policies to the immediate supervisor, Executive Director, the Human Resources Officer, or the Vice President for Research and Administration as appropriate
• All employees at Bigelow must adhere to institutional policies and procedures as outlined in the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences Handbook.

Apply
Applicants must submit the following materials in one combined PDF to our online application portal:

• A one-page cover letter describing why you are interest in the position
• A detailed curriculum vitae or resume specifically highlighting experience related to the stated requirements
• Contact information for three references.

For full consideration, the application should be received by 11:59 PM EDT Friday, February 28, 2025. Review of applicants will begin immediately thereafter. The search will continue until the position is filled.

Individuals seeking more information about this position or needing to request an accommodation, please contact [email protected] or (207) 315-2567, ext. 107.

Working at Bigelow Laboratory
Bigelow Laboratory is an inclusive community of scientists from around the world that welcomes and supports diverse opinions and cultures. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences strives to maintain an environment that allows our employees to flourish through respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment of others. We believe there is power in embracing the full diversity of humanity to advance science and are committed to supporting each other as individuals worthy of respect.