Research Technician - Aquaculture microbiologist

Scallop Bay Shellfish Company • Full-time • Pocasset, Massachusetts, United States • USD $22 - USD $25 / hour • 3d ago

Scallop Bay Shellfish Company (SBSC) is a vertically integrated aquaculture company based out of Pocasset, MA on Cape Cod.

SBSC is currently seeking a highly motivated research technician, with proficiency in microbiological techniques and lab-based research experience. The candidate will be responsible for conducting research that contributes to our understanding of microalgal biology within the context of commercial aquaculture. The desired candidate will have a strong background in laboratory microbiological techniques, ideally proficient in microalgal culture, as well as experience in independently performing lab based research (including developing a proposal, establishing methods, microbiological research and subsequent statistical analysis and report writing).

SBSC's commercial shellfish aquaculture capacity includes hatchery, nursery and growout operations, as well as a robust research and outreach component to constantly improve production and help expand the industry. 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 as a shellfish hatchery technician. Some weeks the tasks will be 100% related to research, and some weeks the tasks will be 100% related to the role of shellfish hatchery technician, though most weeks the tasks will include a mix of both.

The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, 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

Preferred qualifications:

A MS or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Phycology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field is preferred.
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.

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.

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.

Part time employees receive paid Federal holidays and a competitive wage.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Benefits: