Job Information
Marine Biological Laboratory Marine Aquarist I in Woods Hole, Massachusetts
Description
JOB SUMMARY:
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has established a new Automated Aquatic Facility (AAF) as part of an initiative to develop new organisms for research and education. Animals in the AAF are raised in self-contained aquatic rack systems and are advanced through their life cycle in robotically controlled environmental conditions. The candidate will help to maintain the rack systems, will help establish a variety of new invertebrate species and will assist in propagating animals through their life cycle. The candidate will work closely with MBL faculty and visiting scientists to develop genetically tractable animals of maximum use to the scientific community.
MAJOR DUTIES:
Maintain closed lifecycle cultures of multiple marine species within the AAF of the MBL.
Oversee day-to-day maintenance of various aquatic cultures.
Help develop and maintain aquatic systems to rear these organisms.
assist in developing novel food delivery methods for aquatic cultures.
Help develop closed lifecycle cultures of novel species in collaboration with MBL scientists.
Guide and help train technical staff, interns, and volunteers who assist during development and maintenance of culture systems.
Provide consultation and collaborative support to MBL personnel and other research scientists in the culture of new marine organisms.
Help with the distribution (packing and shipping) of these aquatic organisms to the scientific research and educational communities.
Participate in outreach activities and networking opportunities to promote the AAF.
Be available for weekend, on-call emergencies, and holidays as assigned or as required.
Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
Experience in aquatic culture and husbandry of marine invertebrates. Fluency in marine aquarium science and marine water chemistry. The ideal candidate will possess leadership skills, excellent verbal and written communication, collegiality, a commitment to teamwork, and the ability to work independently. Experience with electronics and software programming is desirable but not required.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
The ideal candidate will hold at least a bachelor’s degree in biology or related scientific field and have at least 1 - 2 years of experience in marine husbandry and/or aquaculture. Experience and knowledge in the maintenance of aquatic animals is essential, and a wide variety of marine organisms is highly desirable.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The working environment for this position requires exposure to various species of animals. Work is also performed in laboratory environments, with exposure to chemical and/or biological hazards. Work can involve lifting of up to 50 lbs and frequent standing and walking.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)