Research Assistant

University of New Hampshire

5d • Onsite

About The Position

A research assistant position is sought within the research group of PI Robert Letscher, within the Ocean Process Analysis Laboratory (OPAL), a research center in the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, & Space (EOS). The researcher will be responsible for performing seawater sampling, seawater filtration, and seawater chemical analyses associated with an oceanographic expedition to the tropical and subtropical eastern North Pacific Ocean aboard the R/V Kilo Moana for a period of one month from June 20th through July 21st, exact dates still subject to change. The cruise will stage in San Diego, CA with the researcher being required to help load the ship with the scientific gear and unpack all gear within the ship’s labs and prepare for use. This will occur on June 18th and June 19th in the port of San Diego. The researcher will aide in unloading the ship in the port of Honolulu, HI on July 21st and July 22nd. During the cruise, the researcher will be expected to be available during the hours of 6am to 6pm to perform tasks as needed. The researcher will be given on the job training in how to properly collect and analyze the seawater samples to be collected and will then be expected to work independently each day to repeat and complete their assigned tasks. This is not considered essential staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental, or geosciences.
• Prior experience with general wet chemistry laboratory protocols and skills such as pipetting, preparation of reagents, and cleaning of glassware.
• Ability to work independently to complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to work as part of a larger team to achieve team goals.
• Prior experience with using spreadsheet software to enter and process data

Responsibilities

• Collecting seawater samples at sea, to be generated from 1) incubation experiments and 2) CTD casts. These will occur daily.
• Setting up and monitoring 2-4 liter seawater filtrations through various filter types. Preparing the filters for preservation (freezer).
• Performing chemical analyses on collected seawater samples at sea including dissolved ammonium and enzyme rate assays.

Benefits

• The University System of New Hampshire Employee Benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level