Biological Lab Technician

Position Description

Azura is looking for a biological technician to support the National Marine Fisheries Servi (NMFS) Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC). The technician will aid NMFS biologists in processing samples and data for supporting ongoing fisheries oceanographic research projects at the Kodiak Laboratory.

The Kodiak Laboratory houses a state-of-the-art seawater laboratory where research is conducted on economically and ecologically important species, primarily commercial cra species, including golden king crab, Tanner crab, red king crab, and blue king crab. Research focuses on the e"ects that environmental conditions, such as temperature, salinity, and ocean pH, have on crab larval development, juvenile condition, and adult reproductive success. Researchers at the Kodiak Laboratory also conduct an annual crab survey in the eastern and northern Bering Sea.

Having high attention to detail and the ability to manage short project timelines are critic skills for this position. Potential candidates must also possess the curiosity and ability to find solutions and resolve issues based on available resources and also have strong clien and team communication skills.

Place of Performance and Work Schedule
Work will be conducted full-time at the Kodiak Laboratory in Kodiak, Alaska, during the normal operating hours of the facility. This is a temporary position. Work is planned to be conducted from June through the end of August. An earlier start date may be possible.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Competitive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance and life and disability insurance. -You will be eligible for a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match and will receive paid time o" for vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.

Duties
The employee will perform a variety of tasks. Specific tasks are expected to include the following:

• Conduct various laboratory duties including (but not limited to) tank, floor, and general laboratory cleaning; maintenance and calibration of tools and instruments; and inventories
• Perform animal care tasks including feeding, tank cleaning, and monitoring and recording water quality data in a manner consistent with state and federal permits
• Assist with the set up and running of experiments. Duties include planning and designing experimental set ups, organizing and setting up experimental tanks and associated experimental systems, handling live animals of any life-history stage, introducing animals into the experimental tanks and holding containers, and establishing and maintaining experimental conditions in the tanks
• Record data, check for errors, maintain databases, input data into databases, and analyze digital images
• Assist with mobilization and demobilization of equipment and supplies for fieldwork. Duties include assisting in inventorying, testing, packing, and shipping of equipmen and supplies prior to field work deployment and unpacking, inventorying, cleaning and testing of supplies and equipment upon return from the field.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in fisheries, oceanography, social science, natural science, mathematics, hydrology, or a related discipline
• A minimum of 1 year of experience in laboratory or field research in fisheries or a related field. A higher education degree in science may be substituted for experienc Experience with review, validation, and certification of data collected from fisheries research and fisheries surveys
• Experience working collaboratively with a team to ensure proper communication regarding deadlines and project directives
• Ability to e"ectively and e#ciently work under tight deadlines and scheduled action dates
• Strong organizational, analytical, written, and verbal skills
• Proficiency in working with Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft O#ce Suite (Word, PowerPoin Access, and Excel), and Google Suite
• Candidate must be able to pass a thorough background check.

How to Apply

• Prepare a single PDF document that includes:
• A 1-page cover letter that specifies the position to which you are applying; your earliest available start date; and your level of knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the key responsibilities and desired strengths of this position
• A resume (no more than 3 pages) targeted specifically towards the duties and qualifications of this position
• Phone and email contact information for 2 to 4 professional references who can provide a knowledgeable assessment of your job-specific qualifications
• Name the PDF in the format of Lastname-Firstname_Application_Kodiak Technician Send the PDF to anna@azuraco.com with “Kodiak Technician” in the subject line

Please email anna@azuraco.com with questions.