Part of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian Marine Station (SMS) is a research facility specializing in marine biodiversity and the ecosystems of Florida. SMS is located on the Indian River Lagoon estuary on South Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce, Florida.
Project description:
The SMS Benthic Ecology Laboratory is seeking an independent contractor to provide professional, technical, non-personal services to support research investigating the efficacy of ultraviolet radiation (UVA) for biofouling prevention. Research will use field and lab experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of an existing UVA antifouling technology.
Timetable: Anticipated start date in early to mid-December 2022. 40 hr/wk commitment required.
Duration: 6 months, anticipated 960 hours.
Compensation: Applicants are required to submit a quote for services, commensurate with qualifications. Quotes should not include materials costs. All project equipment and supplies will be provided by the SMS.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a related field (preferred), or four years related work.
- Marine invertebrate and zooplankton identification skills, with preference for barnacle identification.
- Six months light microscopy training, prior work with or interests in videomicroscopy preferred.
- Zooplankton collection and basic aquatic and/or marine animal husbandry skills.
- Some knowledge of modern marine antifouling technologies and practices is preferred but not required.
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude, problem solving skills, and excellent attention to detail.
- Enthusiasm, initiative, and capacity to work independently and as part of a team.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, standard data collection, and data entry procedures.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs, perform field work in variable Florida weather, and sit for prolonged periods of time.
Requirements: Contractor is required to register in the U.S. federal System for Award Management (https://sam.gov) prior to start. More information on this process can be found in the associated RFQ.
Application deadline: October 31, 2022
