Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Research Assistant to join the Biology Department. This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits.

 The successful applicant will support annual deployments of instrument platforms, including maintenance of electrical and communication systems, transport of platforms by trailer to deployment sites, and organization for and participation in multiple research cruises per year. The individual may also be asked to coordinate additional field surveys on an as-needed basis.  Good troubleshooting skills, effective time management, ability to work independently, and attention to detail are essential.

The Brosnahan lab at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking a new member for its technical team. The successful candidate will be hired as a Research Assistant at a grade that is commensurate with their level of training and experience. This person will support efforts to deploy in situ imaging and toxin measurement sensors to support research efforts throughout the U.S. and abroad. Prior experience in sensor applications and development, computer networking, and/or mooring deployments is desirable but not required. Candidates should have relevant experience in biological oceanography, phytoplankton research, and operation/maintenance of small boats.

The lab currently deploys or supports installation of robotic instruments and observatory platforms in the Gulf of Maine (GOM), Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Florida. These include installations of the Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB) and the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP), both manufactured by McLane Research Labs, Inc. (MRL, Falmouth, MA). These sensors are deployed from various platforms including moorings, observatory barges, and autonomous boats.

The internal working title for this position could be either Research Assistant II or Research Assistant III. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate’s level of education & experience.

Research Assistant II: With some supervision, employs established laboratory procedures, standard equipment, and fundamental concepts to conduct research tasks determined by field of study and scope of individual research project.

• Maintains records related to the research and/or research equipment.
• Executes designated research tasks, making use of selected laboratory experiments, equipment, field work, library research, data acquisition and processing, statistical analyses or other investigative techniques;
• Organizes and summarizes acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques including computer programs;
• Organizes and/or drafts material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts, or other documents for publication and/or presentation;
• Participates in the design of experiments or field work.

Research Assistant III: With little supervision, applies a broad knowledge of laboratory principles, equipment, and procedures to the completion of moderately difficult assignments determined by field of study and scope of individual research project.

• Coordinates research projects, using selected laboratory experiments, equipment, field work, library research, data acquisition and processing, statistical analyses or other investigative techniques;
• Organizes, interprets, and summarizes acquired data using scientific and statistical techniques including computer programs;
• Assists in preparation of proposals, manuscripts or other documents for publication and/or presentation;
• Participates in the design of experiments or fieldwork and may suggest modifications to current procedures;
• Acts as information source on specific research techniques and trains others in technical procedures and equipment operation;
• May supervise the activities of other support staff

Required:

• Maintain and prepare IFCB sensors for dockside, barge, and autonomous boat-based deployments, e.g. cleaning of fluidic components, optical alignment, and installation of reagents;
• Transport of small boats and research platforms by trailer to/from deployment locations; operation of small boats to support installation and recovery of systems;
• Preparation of observatory platforms supporting IFCB and ESP sensors;
• System troubleshooting as needed in coordination with other lab members and/or WHOI and MRL engineers;
• Organizing for and participating in cruises to support sensor deployments and event response efforts on an as-needed basis;
• Command line computing, script editing to configure systems for research related tasks; and
• Contribute to preparation of annual reports, scientific publications, research proposals, and documentation of methods and procedures.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As deemed necessary by supervisor

Applicants must have a B.S./M.S. in Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related fields and relevant experience including:

• Involvement in research programs targeting harmful algal blooms or phytoplankton;
• Must have a valid driver’s license;
• Experience operating small boats;
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems and at least one coding language (e.g., bash, python, ruby, MATLAB); and
• Prior research cruise/field research experience.
• Operation of Imaging FlowCytobot, or similar flow cytometric or in situ imaging systems;
• Data visualization and analysis;
• Testing and troubleshooting of electrical and fluidic systems;
• Water sampling, sediment coring and molecular sample processing, and other oceanographic field collection methods;
• Work in small teams; and
• Record of accomplishment doing independent work.

Applicants with especially relevant experience and/or graduate-level training may be considered for appointment at the Research Assistant III level.