Research

Research Technician

East Boothbay, ME
Work Type: Full Time
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Overview

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences invites applications for a Research Technician working with the Zooplankton Ecology Laboratory. This entry-level position will be responsible for working with the entire team to meet mission objectives and conduct research projects for which the lab is funded or contracted to execute. This is a full-time (37.5 hours/week) position with an ideal start date of Feb 1, 2026. Starting salary is $22.22/hour, with a generous benefits package including health care, retirement contribution, and paid time off.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Applicants must hold a BS in a field of biology or environmental sciences at the time of hire. Preference is for those with demonstrated knowledge of and experience with Zooplankton and image analysis.
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 conducting their tasks thoroughly; and demonstrated strong organizational 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, Eco-taxa and other platforms).
5. The position requires the ability to work both as an individual and as part of the lab, currently 3 staff members . The applicant must be self-motivated, have a high degree of integrity, and a strong work ethic.

Responsibilities:

● Conduct projects for which the lab is funded/contracted. This task will require reasonable laboratory skills including the handling and maintenance of live zooplankton cultures and field sampling including long days on a boat. Familiarity with the flowCam-Macro and image analysis software is a plus. While projects will change with the funding, examples of past projects include collecting, processing and analyzing  samples (CHL, zooplankton and CTD data) from offshore sites.
● Conduct bench projects contracted to the lab such as culturing copepods, measuring respiration rates or calculating biomass from net tow samples. This task will require reasonable culturing skills and the ability to work with delicate sensors.
● Many students and interns pass through the lab.  This position will involve working with students, helping them to set up experiments and general maintenance of the lab.  The latter will require washing dishes and strong organizational skills

Other Responsibilities/Requirements:

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P● 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 Director, or the Vice President for Research as appropriate.
● All employees at Bigelow must adhere to institutional policies and procedures as outlined in the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences Handbook.


SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/REQUIREMENTS:

The ordinary work schedule is a regular work day/week (7.5h/day, 37.5h/wk). The successful applicant will be required to be part of the “Boat Sampling” team. This requires the ability to be available for weather dependent boat trips with a few days’ notice.  Some weekend trips will be required.

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, January 23, 2026 . 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. 119.

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.

Submit Your Application

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Applicants should submit the following documents in a single, assembled PDF file:

  • A one-page cover letter describing interest in the position
  • A detailed curriculum vitae or resume specifically highlighting experience in the stated requirements
  • Contact information for three references
Application Package*

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