Scallop Bay Shellfish Company (SBSC) is an aquaculture company based out of Pocasset, MA on Cape Cod. SBSC is a vertically integrated shellfish company with hatchery, nursery and growout operations, as well as a robust research and outreach component to constantly improve production and help expand the industry.
SBSC is currently seeking a highly motivated research technician, with proficiency in microalgal techniques and lab-based research experience, who will be responsible for conducting research that contributes to our understanding of algal biology within the context of applications within aquaculture. The desired background of an ideal candidate will include a strong background in microalgal phycology, experience in independently performing lab based research (including developing a proposal, establishing methods, microbiological research and subsequent statistical analysis and report writing).
The operations at SBSC are diverse, and while grant-funded research is a core aspect of the position, the research is not the only job role, and the other half of the role is a shellfish hatchery technician. Some weeks the tasks will be 100% research, some weeks the tasks will be 100% shellfish technician, those most weeks the tasks will include a mix of both.
The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, and a desire to learn diverse job tasks and increase their skill set every day, and will enjoy a fast-paced and dynamic environment with changing work activities over daily to monthly time scales. SBSC is hiring for full time (40 hrs/week, year round) and part time (20-40 hrs/week, January – July) positions. From early winter through early summer, the positions are primarily research/hatchery, assisting with all research and hatchery functions. From early summer throughout early fall, the positions are also research/hatchery, though may also include shellfish and nursery and growout operations.
Standard tasks:
Microalgal phycologist:
-Conduct laboratory and field research on microalgal species, focusing on their growth, nutritional requirements, and production in bioreactors.
-Analyze the biochemical composition of microalgae and assess their potential for scalable production.
-Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design experiments and interpret data related to algal physiology and aquaculture outcomes.
-Prepare detailed reports and presentations on research findings for both internal stakeholders and external publications.
Shellfish hatchery:
-Daily care of larval shellfish and seasonally, indoor and outdoor nursery systems
-Algal production including weekly inoculations, cell counts, and creating media
-Daily and weekly production tasks such as pumping incoming water and cleaning filters
-Maintaining broodstock and daily water quality checks
-Participating in shellfish spawns, and assisting in recording keeping
-Raising larval shellfish, including daily tasks such as grading, feeding, and cleaning systems
-General hatchery maintenance such as cleaning tanks, maintaining records, and grading shellfish
Requirements:
-A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Phycology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field is required.
-Strong knowledge of algal taxonomy, physiology, and ecology.
-Experience with laboratory techniques such as microscopy, spectrophotometry, and bioreactor production methods is highly desirable.
-Proficiency in data analysis and statistical analysis of experimental results.
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration and reporting.
-Ability to work independently as well as part of a team in a fast-paced research environment.
-Must be able to lift 50 lbs
-Must be able to climb stairs and/or short ladders (<6’)
-Must be comfortable working outside in Massachusetts spring/summer/fall conditions
-Must currently live, or be willing to relocate, within 40 miles of Pocasset, MA.
-Must have a valid license, and reliable transportation
-Education and/or experience in Biology or related field
-Attention to detail.
-Ability to carry out repetitive tasks.
-Excellent time management skills.
-Able to work independently without the need for constant oversight
Full time is 40 hrs per week, part time employment is 20-40 hrs per week, with a rotating schedule with week days off if working a weekend shift. The typical work schedule is Monday-Friday 7am-3pm, though this is subject to change seasonally. Depending on the needs of the research or hatchery, work on weekends and/or holidays is required at certain times.
Part time employees receive paid Federal holidays and a competitive wage.
All full time employees are eligible for health and dental 50% company paid, HCA company funded 100%, all Federal holidays, 3 weeks paid vacation, paid sick time, and a competitive salary. Health and dental may start day 1 of full time employment, vacation time accrues based on hours worked
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to work weekends and/or holidays during the production season?
Education:
Experience:
- marine biology or aquaculture: 1 year (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Pocasset, MA 02559 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Pocasset, MA 02559: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
