Biological Technician

POSITION DESCRIPTION :

The Biological Technician will support the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) Population Biology Branch by collecting, sorting, identifying, and preserving biological samples and associated data, both in the laboratory and at sea. The technician will assist in processing fresh biological samples using standardized methods and will enter data and report progress to the Federal Program Lead. This position requires participation in research survey cruises one to four times per year, ranging from 5 to 50 days annually, to support the collection of oceanographic and biological data. Additional responsibilities include operating laboratory equipment and software, performing basic data analysis, and assisting with finfish, elasmobranch, and invertebrate sampling. The technician will also contribute to quality assurance, laboratory experiments, supply preparation, and scientific communications. Flexible work schedules and occasional extended hours or weekends may be required to meet project deadlines and sampling needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Collect, sort, identify, and preserve biological samples and data as required.
• Maintain or continue to process biological samples and data in the laboratory using routine methods.
• Enter data and report to the Federal Program Lead regarding progress.
• Participate in resource survey cruises once to up to four times per year (5-50 days per year) to assist in the collection of oceanographic and biological samples and data. In the laboratory, they shall assist in the processing of biological specimens.
• Assist in the use of equipment, instruments, or software to carry out standardized procedures and computations of varying complexity; and including basic, descriptive data analysis and regular communications of findings, including written summaries.
• Work at sea or in the laboratory may occasionally involve extended hours or weekends, OT not to exceed 100 hours per month.
• Provide technical support for oceanographic and fisheries sampling including assistance with finfish, elasmobranch, and invertebrate sampling; associated biological, habitat, and oceanographic sampling; supply and equipment preparation; data entry, quality assurance and control; laboratory experiments on finfish; age, reproduction, and food habits processing; fostering a safe work environment and effectively using information technology resources.
• Perform special tasks regarding ensuring data quality and providing periodic written progress reports.
• Participate in task / project specific workshops, scientific meetings, and outreach events.

REQUIREMENTS :

• Associate's degree with 1-2 years' experience, or an Associate's or Bachelor's degree
• Experience in the identification of finfish, elasmobranchs, shellfish, and other invertebrate species commonly encountered along the Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras
• Some experience with microscopes, image analysis systems, lapidary saws, or electronic data entry systems.
• Medically qualified to go to sea for more than one week at a time, and interested to go to sea aboard research vessels.
• Some experience dissecting fish or working with live fish in aquaria.
• Some experience with personal computers using word processing software, spreadsheets, and email