Job Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Biological Sciences Research Technician 2 position for the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station (COMES) – Newport, at Oregon State University (OSU).

The algal technician will produce microalgae for the USDA ARS Pacific Shellfish Research Unit (PSRU) and primarily support the hatchery needs of the ARS breeding program, the Pacific Oyster Genomic Selection (POGS) project. The incumbent will be supervised by the POGS algologist and be principally responsible for culturing multiple phytoplankton species simultaneously, maintaining and operating algal photobioreactors, and conducting phytoplankton monitoring.

Key Responsibilities

30% - Culture of phytoplankton for research and feeding marine invertebrates, specifically bivalve shellfish. The algal technician will use aseptic culturing techniques to grow and maintain phytoplankton cultures at multiple volumetric scales. The technician will maintain a large primary stock of phytoplankton cultures (15 plus species) using small scale methods, ensuring proper cleaning and sterilization (e.g. autoclaving) of culture and media glassware to maintain the health and purity of phytoplankton within the existing library.

30% – Operation and maintenance of 6 Industrial Plankton Photobioreactors. Under primary supervision of the POGS algologist, inoculate, operate, and maintain photobioreactors for production level output necessary for shellfish research and breeding. Service, maintenance and repair of photobioreactors will include the use of power tools, hand tools and other mechanical equipment. Maintenance of seawater systems involved in the algal production and algal delivery system is also required for this position (i.e. replacing pumps, repairing plumbing, changing filter cartridges, cleaning head tanks, etc.).

30% – Conduct phytoplankton monitoring, including, but not limited to, algal quantifications in shellfish husbandry systems.

5% – Planning algae production schedule(s) to meet the needs of aquaculture research. The incumbent will coordinate with the algologist to schedule phytoplankton growth out periods as necessary to support PSRU operations and associated research projects.

5%- Support POGS breeding program husbandry and PSRU data collection seasonally. Husbandry duties may involve cleaning of husbandry systems, assisting in breeding program operations (spawn and quantification days, for example). Data collection includes counting animals, measuring and recording phenotypic characteristics, and taking DNA samples for genetic analysis.

What We Require

Two years of college-level courses in (specific field of biological science) and one year of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Research Technician 1 level; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

What You Will Need

Two years of college-level courses in marine science, microbiology, aquaculture, or closely related discipline and one year of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Research Technician 1 level; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Experience working in a scientific laboratory or aquatic animal husbandry facility.

Must meet all eligibility and security requirements necessary to work within a NOAA federal facility.
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

What We Would Like You to Have

B.S. degree in marine science, microbiology, oceanography, aquaculture, or closely related discipline.

Demonstrated experience working successfully on a highly repetitive, detail-oriented project or task.

Knowledge of phytoplankton ecology and monitoring/identification.

Experience in sterile culturing practices with phytoplankton.

Animal husbandry experience with bivalve shellfish or marine invertebrates.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Ability and willingness to perform repetitive tasks, involving manual labor, in laboratory and field settings.

Work will be conducted in wet laboratories supplied with running seawater.

Weekend work is required, at least one weekend every 5-6 weeks.

Work over holiday periods are required but the responsibility is rotated among staff that support the PSRU and POGS project from OSU and USDA.

Must be able to carry, push, and pull 50 pounds repeatedly.

Field work can be conducted in inclement weather and at odd hours due to logistical requirements for site access from tide cycles.

Current driver’s license is required since some work will require the operation of a fleet vehicle.