Biological Technician: Marine Engineer/Biologist

This is a trust-funded (non-federal) position at GS7 (equivalent). The appointment is initially for one year and is renewable annually, depending upon performance and available funding. We are seeking a Biological Technician to split time between two of the lab’s principal projects, which combine biological and engineering methods in aquatic ecosystems. The first project conducts research on plankton assemblages associated with ships’ ballast water from bays and ports as part of a field research team. This study supports ongoing research that quantities changes in plankton communities and evaluates the performance of ballast water treatment systems of commercial ships to inform policy and management. The second project conducts laboratory experiments with aquatic organisms, in a wet laboratory that houses a small-scale hatchery for invertebrate species and a voyage simulator that mimics the environmental conditions to which ships’ hull fouling organisms are exposed. For the ship-focused project, we are seeking to hire someone that can provide technical support to connect sampling devices to the main ballast lines of commercial vessels, monitoring water flows and aiding the team with sample collection. For work in the wet lab, we are seeking someone who has experience with aquatic culture systems or other small scale water engineering projects with skills in the use of piping, valves, solenoids and mixing equipment. Professional development opportunities (e.g., training, workshops, seminars, etc.) both within SERC and across the Smithsonian Institution are also periodically available. Duties will include:

Communication with vessels to collect information on sampling ports installed on the ballast discharge line and identify supplies (i.e. fittings) needed to connect our sampling system. 
Lead the operation of the sample collection system onboard vessels, supported by the wider sampling team, and monitor flow rates during sample collection.

Assist in travel field preparation and logistics, including packing and shipping of equipment and supplies.

Data collection and management.

Design, build and maintain recirculating aquatic systems.

Assist team of biologists/ecologists in culturing and testing aquatic invertebrates.

Participation in monthly lab meetings as well as weekly meetings for working groups and individual projects as needed, in person, on Zoom or Microsoft Teams. 
The SERC community recognizes the value of diversity in promoting innovative science and creative solutions, and we strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We recognize that each applicant will bring unique skills, knowledge, experiences and background to these positions. Competitive candidates will have some, but not necessarily all, of the listed qualifications and experiences, and we anticipate some on-the-job training will be provided. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race/ethnicity, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital/parental/caregiver status and disability. Candidates for this position should be U.S. citizens or have a current visa/status that permits employment in the U.S.A. 

Desired Qualifcations and Experience: • BA or MS degree in marine or aquaculture engineering, marine science or equivalent. • Experience with water sample collection devices and monitoring flow rates. • Ability to independently define problems related to piping/water movement and generate actionable steps based on that information. • Competence with recirculating water treatment and/or aquaculture systems to assist in engineering and maintenance of aquatic exposure units. • Capable of lifting heavy loads (up to 50 lbs), working outdoors for extended periods of time, and working on vessels (i.e., climbing stairs) • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. • Working knowledge of computer programs such as: MS Excel, MS Word or similar word processing program, presentation software such as MS PowerPoint or similar. • Ability to relate to and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and ages. • Ability to work as a team member on multiple projects. • Ability to travel to field sampling locations for up to 2-3 weeks at a time, especially in summer months and flexible working hours. • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and responsibility. • Interest in marine ecology, invertebrate and/or invasion biology. • Interest and/or experience in scientific diving.