Research Assistant: Biology, Marine Invertebrates Post-bacc

Job Summary:
Join our team studying the biology and ecology of marine invertebrates! Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Research Assistant to join the Biology Department. This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. This position is available for a period of up to two years from date of hire, with funding available through December 2024. Desired approximate start date is February, 1 2023. We are seeking a scientifically curious, reliable, and detail-oriented individual to assist with a variety of lab- and field-related activities in the Tarrant and Mullineaux labs. The individual will assist with general research needs and activities including: invertebrate animal husbandry, plankton culturing, sorting through plankton samples for specific taxa, assistance with copepod physiology experiments, plankton image analysis and particle tracking, and occasionally going to sea for field sampling. Additional duties include documenting protocols used, data entry, and visualization of experimental results. Online application forms should be submitted with a cover letter and resume. This is a mentored post-baccalaureate position designed to help recent college/university graduates develop skills and transition into the geosciences workforce or graduate school. WHOI is committed to broadening participation in geosciences, and applicants whose backgrounds are underrepresented in STEM are especially encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions:
Responsibilities: Assists in collecting project data as directed;Prepares data or material for analysis or presentation using standard research techniques;Processes and analyzes data according to established technical procedures;Maintains records related to research and/or research equipment.Executes designated research tasks, making use of selected laboratory experiments, equipment, field work, library research, data acquisition and processing, statistical analyses or other investigative techniques; Organizes and summarizes acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques including computer programs; Participates in the design of experiments or field work. Communicates effectively with supervisors, particularly regarding prioritization of tasks and division of time between laboratories. NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:As deemed necessary by supervisor

Education & Experience:
RequiredBachelor's degree in a STEM field.Desirable, but not requiredPrevious experience assisting with biological research, culturing marine organisms, and/or using the R computing environment for data analysis and visualization. Applicants who do not have this experience, but are willing to learn, are encouraged to apply.Proficiency using R computing environment for data analysis and visualization.Experience culturing marine organisms or assisting with biological research. Proficiency manipulating and plotting data in R.

Special Requirements:
WHOI is a federal contractor required to comply with Executive Order 14042. As such, WHOI has enacted a Mandated COVID19 vaccination policy effective December 8, 2021 where you must register your vaccination status in order to begin your employment. The registration process entails confidentially submitting a vaccination card and/or your vaccination status or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason.

Physical Requirements:
Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift 25-50 lbs; and/or carry 10-25 lbs. Visual abilities to include near, far, and peripheral. Hearing requirements include the ability to hear and respond to instructions and communicate effectively. Other physical tasks include occasional prolonged standing/walking; use of hands for basic /fine grasping and manipulation, repetitive motion, reaching above and below the shoulders, and bending. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Computer use, sorting samples under microscopes. Physical duties are subject to change.

Sea Duty:
Occasionally going to sea for field sampling.