Seaweed Culture Technician - 133688 Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Scripps Institution Of Oceanography • San Diego, CA

405d • $52,832 - $53,934

About The Position

The Seaweed Culture Technician will be responsible for maintaining algal cultures and conducting experiments to optimize growth and bromoform production in the red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis. This role involves working with sterile techniques, isolating and purifying algal samples, and establishing a living seed bank. The technician will also assist in laboratory experiments, data collection, and mentoring volunteers, while presenting updates at team meetings.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school and three years of laboratory experience or two years of college with courses in natural, physical or social sciences and two years of laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with seaweeds or aquaculture.
• Prior knowledge of maintaining algal cultures in a laboratory environment.
• Experience with algal culturing and sterile techniques.
• Experience with microscopy and image analysis.
• Basic knowledge in the field of phycology.
• Knowledge of basic algal physiological assessments including measuring growth rates, photosynthesis, and fluorescence.
• Ability to use sensors and data loggers.
• Demonstrated ability to enter data, work with data, make graphs, and perform basic statistics.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in general lab protocols and lab safety.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with standard laboratory equipment.
• Skill in use of Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Ability to accurately maintain lab records with strict attention to detail.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials handling and lab safety.

Responsibilities

• Maintain algal cultures and perform experiments to optimize growth and bromoform production in Asparagopsis taxiformis.
• Work with sterile techniques and autoclave seawater.
• Isolate and purify algal samples collected from the wild using microscopy and imaging.
• Quantify and mitigate contamination in algal cultures.
• Help establish and maintain an algal 'seed bank'.
• Assist in building a living seed bank, making algal cuttings, and photographing samples.
• Estimate levels of contamination in algal cultures based on developed techniques.
• Run laboratory experiments to compare performance of algal strains from different geographies.
• Perform regular maintenance on cultures, collect and enter data, and conduct basic statistics.
• Work with graduate students and postdocs, and mentor volunteers.
• Present regular updates and results at weekly team meetings.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: High school or GED