Senior Research Technician and Lab Manager

About the role

The Senior Research Technician and Lab Manager works within the Fish and Movement Ecology (FME) Lab, led by Dr. Nathan Furey. This position will provide field and logistical support across lab projects, including coastal, estuarine, and freshwater ecology projects. Field support includes driving small vessels and using a variety of fisheries gear types and collecting environmental samples and data. The lab manager will also assist in lab logistics, including use of university purchasing system, development of written field and lab protocols, assisting in permit applications, and written reporting. The individual will work closely with all members of the FME Lab and their collaborators, including faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers.

This position will support all of the FME Lab's activities, but will focus on three projects: 1) marine biodiversity monitoring in coastal NH and ME waters, focusing on Atlantic cod and common terns, 2) movements and feeding of Arctic charr in Maine, and 3) interannual survival of rainbow smelt in Great Bay, New Hampshire. The position will require occasional and seasonal travel to field sites and collaborating institutes.

Responsibilities

• Lead or assist in field work projects in streams, rivers, estuaries, and coastal environments, including training of students and technicians.
• Manage logistics of field and other research activities.
• Conduct and coordinate laboratory research, including training of students and technicians.
• Perform general research lab management activities.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in biology, marine science, or related field.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in fish and movement ecology, with experience in telemetry, diet, or eDNA methods (field and/or lab) a plus.
• Desire and willingness to work with other team members, including postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduate students.
• Experience with operating small boats, preferably in field research settings and in estuarine and coastal waters, or working on larger vessels deploying fisheries and oceanographic equipment.
• Comfortable with data entry (Microsoft Excel).
• Experience conducting field work in under harsh conditions (poor weather, ability to lift 50 pounds, camping and living on-site).
• Physical capability and comfort conducting field work in freshwater (streams, rivers, and lakes), estuarine, and coastal systems.
• Experience with fisheries or fishing gear and a basic knowledge of fish biology or fisheries science.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills, including competence with completing electronic paperwork and forms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in closely related field.
• Processing otoliths (extraction, sectioning, mounting, and/or reading).
• AAUS scientific diving should be noted in the application.

Not all of these skills and experiences are expected of applicants, but rather demonstrate the breadth of potential activities.

Pay

Budgeted salary is between $45,000 to $52,000 annually, depending upon experience.