Research Assistant

Job Summary

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 benefits. 

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 assist with efforts to deploy sensors that record phytoplankton imagery and measure biotoxin in situ as part of research efforts throughout the U.S. and abroad. Prior experience in sensor applications and development, microscopy image analysis, computer networking, and/or mooring deployments are desirable but not required. Candidates should have relevant experience in biological oceanography, microbial ecology, and field research.

The lab currently deploys or supports installation of robotic instruments and observatory platforms in New England and Alaska. 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 successful applicant will support annual deployments of instrument platforms, including maintenance of electrical and communication systems, transport of platforms by trailer to deployment sites, monitoring of platforms and instruments using various software and terminal operations, 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. Strong communication skills, effective time management, ability to work independently, and attention to detail are essential.

The internal working title for this position could be either Research Assistant I, 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. 

RA I:

With close supervision, uses established laboratory procedures to perform prescribed research tasks determined by field of study and scope of individual research project.

RA 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.

RA 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.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Preparation and maintenance of observatory platforms that support IFCB and ESP sensors;
• Operation of small boats;
• Image annotation for evaluation and generation of automated image processing pipelines;
• 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;
• Assisting with maintaining and preparation of sensors for dockside, barge, and autonomous boat-based deployments, e.g. basic cleaning of fluidic components, optical alignment, installation of reagents, canning in pressure housing; and
• Contribute to preparation of annual reports, scientific publications, research proposals, and documentation of methods and procedures.

Education & Experience

Required:

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

• Research experience in field research, phytoplankton ecology, and/or microscopy;
• Must have a valid driver’s license;
• Experience operating small boats; and
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems and at least one coding language (e.g., bash, python, R, ruby, MATLAB).

Desired:

• 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.

RA I:

Bachelor's degree, or Associate's degree in related field plus one year related experience, or High School diploma or equivalent plus three years' related experience.

RA II:

Bachelor's degree in related field, or Bachelor's degree in non-related field plus two years' related experience, or Associate's degree in related field plus three years' related experience, or High School diploma or equivalent plus five years' related experience

RA III:

Master's degree in related field, or Bachelor's degree in related field plus three years' related experience, or Bachelor's degree in nonrelated field plus five years' related experience, or Associate's degree in related field plus six years' related experience, or High School diploma or equivalent plus eight years' related experience. Applicants with especially relevant experience and/or graduate-level training may be considered for appointment at the Research Assistant III level.

Physical Requirements

Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to ability to lift/carry up to 40 lbs as well as reaching above and below the shoulders, stooping/kneeling, and climbing ladders/stools. Must have the ability to use hands for basic grasping/manipulation as well as fine manipulation. Visual abilities to include depth perception, ability to adjust vision to bring objects into focus, and ability to distinguish basic colors. The occupational requirements for this position are the ability to work with and around other individuals in a lab setting and at sea, as well as alone. Visual abilities of near vision needed as well having the ability to hear, respond, talk, and travel. May be exposed to hazardous substances or specimens.  Physical duties are subject to change.

Sea Duty

May work at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. Sleep and work hours can deviate from those on land. May be expected to work on watch schedule (such as 8 hours on and 8 hours off or 12 hours on and 8 hours off) for all or part of a cruise or to work as hours are needed to accomplish the planned work. May need to travel during holidays and for long distances to and from foreign ports. May experience rudimentary living and working conditions, with shared and basic living quarters and laboratories. May experience bad or extreme weather conditions, including heavy seas, winter weather or hot, tropical weather. Work on deck may occur in both hot and cold conditions around the clock. Sea conditions will lead to active ship motion. Should be able to climb steep and vertical ladders and able to enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills. Should be able to carry heavy gear and participate in the loading and unloading of the ship as well as in the activities on deck and in the labs during the cruise. Shipboard environment may include: confined areas, shared sleeping quarters (berths) and bathroom facilities, small and basic berthing, fixed meal times and basic menus. Modest levels of heating, cooling, ventilation, and illumination, limited or no email and internet access and limited off-duty and recreational facilities (library, lounge, movies). May be exposed to potential allergens and irritants, including paint fumes. May experience constant and intermittent loud noises, and slippery and uneven surfaces.