Laboratory Technician - Jones Lab

Bowdoin College, United States

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: Brunswick, MAINE
Deadline: ;

Posting Details


Title Laboratory Technician - Jones Lab
Posting Number S01239JP
Department Biology
Job Summary
The Laboratory Technician – Jones Lab will perform research on campus and in the field at the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island under supervision of Assistant Professor of Biology – Patricia Jones. Other responsibilities include:
  • Monitoring of Leach’s storm-petrels in the field on Kent Island using RFID tags and antennas, GPS tags, and burrow entrance strain-gage load cells.
  • Programming and trouble-shooting Arduino-based RFID readers and load cells .
  • Handling and collecting blood samples from birds.
  • Organizing and analyzing data using python and R.
  • Assisting with organizing materials and data for publications.
  • Mentoring students working in the lab and in the field.
  • Ordering supplies and equipment for the lab.
  • Maintaining the lab to be clean and organized.
  • This position will require travel to the Kent Island Scientific field station in June and July with potential for other travel in August and September, not exceeding 89 days total in the field (Please note: No pets allowed).
  • This is a grant-funded position beginning May 1st, 2024.


Pay and Benefits:
  • Hourly rate: $22.50 – $24.00/per hour
  • A variety of health insurance plans
  • Life insurance, disability insurance, and a generous retirement plan
  • Paid time off – Vacation, Personal, and Holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Access to many of the College’s facilities including the gym and pool
  • And more: https://www.bowdoin.edu/hr/benefits-perks/index.html



Education/Skills Requirements
Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in ecology or a related field (i.e., biology, animal behavior, conservation) or prior experience in a research environment (or related position).
  • Recent graduates with some lab and field experience (i.e., in a course) may also be considered.
  • While training and supervision will be provided by the PI, the candidate should have the fundamental skills necessary to conduct, perform, and analyze research in a semi-independent manner.
  • Ability to work well independently and collaboratively
  • Ability to spend 89 days total in the field living at the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island in New Brunswick Canada (Please note: No pets allowed).
  • Excellent communication skills (as well as proactive communication).
  • Computer literacy in Microsoft Office products.
  • Ability to perform multiple tasks independently.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Comfort with handling live birds or willingness to learn.
  • Comfort with rustic and remote living conditions seasonally on Kent Island.


Preferred:
  • Knowledge of R software and the python language
  • Unix coding
  • RFID monitoring
  • GPS tagging and spatial analysis
Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents
Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in ecology or a related field (i.e., biology, animal behavior, conservation) or prior experience in a research environment (or related position).
  • A valid driver’s license and the ability to meet the requirements of the College’s Motor Vehicle Use Policy.
  • This position requires a criminal background check and motor vehicle record (MVR).


Preferred:
  • Experience handling birds.
  • Experience with soldering and wiring small electrical circuits.
  • Experience with Arduinos and Arduino software
Standard Work Days and Hours
  • Monday – Friday, 40 hours/week with hours flexible between 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (1.00 FTE)
  • Occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.
  • This position will require travel to the Kent Island Scientific field station in June and July with potential for other travel in August and September, not exceeding 89 days total in the field (Please note: No pets allowed).
  • This is a grant-funded position beginning May 1st, 2024 (Initial 1-year appointment, with the possibility of a second year pending review of performance and grant funding).
About Bowdoin
Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff—with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors.
We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College’s multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.
Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin’s reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine.
Bowdoin’s campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston.
Shift
Employment Category Full Time Year Round
FTE 1.00
Benefits Eligible Yes
Pay Type Hourly
Background Check Package Requirements Support Staff + MVR
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Bowdoin vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job? Yes
Is a pre-placement physical required for this position? No
Posting Date 02/23/2024
Applications Accepted Until
Open Until Filled No
Type of Posting Internal/External
Special Instructions to Applicants
EEO Information
Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.

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