Research Assistant I/II

About the role

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Research Assistant I/II. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of a one-year extension, contingent on additional funding and performance. Anticipated Start: The position start is Dec or Jan 1st. Position duration: The appointment is for 12 months.

Responsibilities

• The Research Assistant will work in the Motta Lab at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
• Assist with laboratory daily activities and potential fieldwork in the Pacific Ocean.
• Analysis and preparation of pelagic zooplankton samples for bulk mercury stable isotopes, phytoplankton experiments, and the development of compound-specific mercury isotopes.
• Possibility for fieldwork in the Indian Ocean to collect samples to assess mercury cycling.
• Maintaining phytoplankton and zooplankton cultures.
• Acid cleaning.
• Samples digestion for methylmercury analysis.
• Running the mercury analyzers.
• Commit to a healthy workplace climate.
• Research Assistant 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; executes designated research tasks, making use of selected laboratory experiments, equipment, field work, library research, data acquisition and processing, statistical analyses or other investigative techniques; organizes and summarizes acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques including computer programs; organizes and/or drafts material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts, or other documents for publication and/or presentation; participates in the design of experiments or field work.
• Sea duty potentially.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Environmental Science, Oceanography, Biogeochemistry or related discipline.
• Previous experience with both laboratory and field setting is desirable.

Requirements

• Physical duties: ability to lift less than 25 lbs independently and carry 10‑25 lbs.
• Visual abilities: near, far, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to distinguish basic colors.
• Hearing requirements: ability to hear and respond to instructions, communicate effectively in loud areas (pier/dock, warehouse).
• Other physical tasks: occasional prolonged standing/walking; use of hands for basic/fine grasping and manipulation, repetitive motion, reaching above and below the shoulders, pushing, pulling, kneeling, bending, twisting, and stooping.
• Other occupational requirements: talking, traveling, working around others, and with others.
• Will be exposed to dust or other irritants and electrical/mechanical