Research Associate

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Research Associate to join the Lindell Lab in the Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department.  The Lindell Lab seeks the Research Associate to contribute to the advancement of marine aquaculture research. This includes a 5-year-old selective breeding and nursery development program for farmed kelp species. Our Lab cooperates with farmers and other academic institutions in 8 different States, and internationally. Our research is based in both our laboratory and the field/farms. The Research Associate will be responsible for day-to-day oversight of the research program and technicians in coordination with the PI and a post-doctoral associate.  This is a regular, full-time position and is eligible for benefits.

Job duties will include:

• Designing and executing laboratory experiments with kelp strains based on selected traits as discovered by phenotyping and genotyping gametophytes and sporophytes. Phenotyping may use advanced spectroscopy, fluorometry and molecular biology tools in the lab as well as more traditional measurements.
• Incorporating statistical tests and design of experiments along with systems biology and advanced ‘omics’.
• Statistically interpreting, reporting and communicating the results to a mixed background audience.
• Assisting with writing peer-reviewed manuscripts, including presentations at conferences and general broad dissemination of results in presentations.
• Contributing to collaborative proposal writing with senior staff.
• Supporting career development of junior team members, such as Research Assistants, undergraduate and graduate students.

The internal working title for this position could be either Research Associate I, Research Associate II, or Research Associate III. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience. 

Anticipated Division of Time:

• Oversight of the maintenance of kelp cultures for experimental breeding program: 20%
• Coordination and oversight of research objectives in lab and field with Research Assistants, undergraduate, and graduate students: 60%
• Communication and coordination with PI, post-doctoral scholar and collaborators: 10%
• Supporting the preparation of reports and publications: 10%

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As deemed necessary by supervisor

Relevant PhD or relevant Master's Degree and 2 or more years of experience. Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience. Demonstrates understanding and wide application of scientific technical procedures, principles, theories and concepts in the field of marine phycology with experience or interest in the cultivation and ecophysiology of macroalgae especially kelp. General knowledge of other related disciplines. Demonstrates leadership in one or more areas of team, task or project lead responsibilities. Demonstrated experience in management of projects. Very good technical writing, interpersonal and communication skills.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• PhD in Phycology, Algal Ecophysiology  &  Genetics,  Biochemistry, Biology, or Algal  Ecology.
• Demonstrated experience with microbial or algae biotechnology, photo physiology background, analytical chemistry, and spectroscopy.
• Basic understanding of metabolomics of photosynthetic organisms, including experimental design and statistical interpretation of experiments.
• Hands-on operation of the instrumentation, and data reduction and interpretation, including deep understanding of bioinformatics state of the art and demonstrated effective and innovative coding approaches applied to data analysis computing language, such as R.
• Experience with statistical analysis, experimental design, machine learning, and data mining.
• Evidence of team working (including supervision and/or lab management experience)

• TWIC
• Security Clearance
• Person drives WHOI vehicle

WHOI has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in effect, where you must register your full vaccination status (vaccination plus booster) in order to begin employment. The registration process is confidential and entails submitting your official vaccination records or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason.

Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift less than 25 lbs independently, 2 times per day; carry 10-25 lbs, 2 times per day. Visual abilities to include near, far, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to distinguish basic colors. Hearing requirements include the ability to hear and respond to instructions, communicate effectively in loud areas (pier/dock, warehouse). 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, pushing, pulling, kneeling, bending, twisting, and stooping. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Will be exposed to dust or other irritants and electrical/mechanical/power equipment hazards. Physical duties are subject to change.

May work at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. Sleep and work hours can deviate from those on land. May be expected to work on watch schedule (such as 8 hours on and 8 hours off or 12 hours on and 8 hours off) for all or part of a cruise or to work as hours are needed to accomplish the planned work. May need to travel during holidays and for long distances to and from foreign ports. May experience rudimentary living and working conditions, with shared and basic living quarters and laboratories. May experience bad or extreme weather conditions, including heavy seas, winter weather or hot, tropical weather. Work on deck may occur in both hot and cold conditions around the clock. Sea conditions will lead to active ship motion. Should be able to climb steep and vertical ladders and able to enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills. Should be able to carry heavy gear and participate in the loading and unloading of the ship as well as in the activities on deck and in the labs during the cruise. Shipboard environment may include: confined areas, shared sleeping quarters (berths) and bathroom facilities, small and basic berthing, fixed meal times and basic menus. Modest levels of heating, cooling, ventilation, and illumination, limited or no email and internet access and limited off-duty and recreational facilities (library, lounge, movies). May be exposed to potential allergens and irritants, including paint fumes. May experience constant and intermittent loud noises, and slippery and uneven surfaces.