This position is a full time (37.5h/wk) position, with an ideal start date of 1 July 2026. Funding for this position will be for 2- years, with continuation based upon successful integration and continuation of funding. Salary will be in the range of $22.89-25.12/hr ($44,636- 48,984 per annum), commensurate with demonstrated relevant experience of the successful candidate, and consistent with Bigelow compensation guidelines. NCMA funding is provided by a recurring National Science Foundation grant, sales of starter cultures and various other NCMA financial sources, and the continuation of this position, as for all NCMA positions, is dependent upon continued funding. The position comes with a generous benefits package, contributing significantly to total compensation, including health care, retirement contribution, and paid time off.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- The Algae Curator will ultimately have primary responsibility for curating about one-fourth of the perpetual algae collection (~450 strains), focused on microalgae with the potential to add curation of macroalgae.
- The Algae Curator will be trained by current curators in NCMA activities which may include preparing media for the algae collection and customer products (e.g., prepared media and media kits), macroalgae cryopreservation, and testing the potential of current xenic strains for axenic growth.
- The Algae Curator will be asked to assist with general NCMA laboratory duties, such as pre-loading of culture transfer racks, collection and filtration of seawater used for the NCMA collection and customer orders, and autoclaving culture discards.
- The Algae Curator may be asked to assist with the duties of other NCMA personnel when those personnel are absent or if designated workload needs to be allocated temporarily due to project deadlines.
- The Algae Curator is required to be part of the “Responding to Alarm” rotation. This requires the curator to respond to alarms, during their pre-scheduled intervals, arising from culture collection incubators being out of specification.
- The Algae Curator is responsible for general lab management and good laboratory practice, including but not limited to: data recordkeeping and completion of specific project activities.
- Reporting any potential or perceived violations of applicable laws, rules, or Laboratory policies to the immediate supervisor, the Human Resources Officer, or the Vice President for Research as appropriate.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Botany, Biology/Marine Biology, or a very closely related field is required.
- The position strongly prefers demonstrated experience in cell or tissue culture, especially with regard to aseptic techniques, and demonstrated experience in the culture and maintenance of microalgae. Consideration will be given for experience cultivating macroalgae.
- The position requires excellent written and verbal skills, including an ability to conduct business professionally via the telephone, e-mail and in person.
- The position requires knowledge and experience using computers, relational databases, word processing, Windows operating systems, e-mail, and other software applications.
- Reliability is especially important because of an absolute need for timely delivery of cultures or culture products and the need to maintain good customer relations.
- The position requires the ability to work both as an individual and as part of the curatorial team, to seamlessly transition work activities should the need arise. The applicant must have a high degree of integrity, particularly with regard to the financial aspects of the job.
Application deadline: April 24, 2026
