The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has launched a new initiative to generate novel marine and freshwater model organisms to establish a resource network with MBL at its center.
The successful candidate will be expected to establish and maintain multiple species in the Marine Resource Department (MRD) in order to provide specimens to the MBL and the broader scientific community in support of basic and applied research and education. These animals will be raised and maintained in self-contained aquatic systems. The candidate is expected to also help in the development and maintenance of these aquatic systems. Once the animal cultures have been established, the candidate will be expected to develop culture conditions and aquatic systems to close the life-cycles of additional species. This position will work closely with MBL-affiliated scientists in developing genetically tractable model organisms of maximal utility to the scientific community.
Major Duties
- Establish closed life-cycle cultures of multiple marine and freshwater species within the MRD of the MBL.
- Oversee the maintenance of various aquatic cultures.
- Help develop and maintain aquatic systems to rear these organisms.
- Establish and oversee a program to generate and deliver food for aquatic cultures.
- Develop closed lifecycle cultures of novel species in collaboration with MBL scientists.
- Train MRD staff and research personnel in aquatic culture.
- Guide and help train technical staff and volunteers who assist during development and maintenance of culture systems.
- Provide consultation and collaborative support to MBL personnel and other research scientists in the culture of new marine organisms.
- Establish collaborative aquatic resource networks with other research institutions that will maximize the use of MBL-derived aquatic models.
- Communicate with end users and help with the distribution (shipping and packing) of these aquatic organisms to the scientific research and educational communities.
- Be available for week-end and on-call emergency duties intermittently, and as required.
- Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.
Skills Required
Extensive experience in aquatic culture and a proven record establishing closed-lifecycle cultures of different marine and/or freshwater species. Must have an established scientific and/or aquaculture background, preferably with research experience in the area of marine biology. The candidate should have some mechanical aptitude and experience in maintaining aquatic culture systems. Experience with electronics and software programming is desirable. Leadership skills, excellence in verbal and written communication, collegiality, a commitment to teamwork, ability to work independently, and the capacity to integrate organismal culture programs with scientific objectives. Proven skills for engaging in outreach activities.
Education/Experience
The ideal candidate will hold at least a bachelor’s degree in biology or related scientific field and have at least two years of experience in the culture of aquatic organisms. Experience and knowledge in the cultivation and management of aquatic animals is essential, and a wide variety of marine organisms is highly desirable.
