A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline.

Primary Function:

There is a need for a Laboratory Technician to work in support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) located in Milford, CT. This person will be engaged in the laboratory management and sample processing for a health and disease survey of Crassostrea virginica populations in Long Island Sound.

The survey aims to characterize the seasonal and temporal dynamics of disease in natural and restored oyster populations in Long Island Sound. The Shellfish Health Program Technician will work with NOAA laboratory staff to prepare laboratory spaces for and to process samples using molecular and histopathological methods in the laboratory. Surveys will be used to estimate disease prevalence and reproductive fitness in intertidal and subtidal nearshore oyster beds in both Connecticut and New York waters. Environmental and structural data will be used to describe the environmental and biological factors associated with disease burden in the study populations.

This work is needed to inform restoration planning to identify suitable sites and methods to use for restoration. Characterization of disease in natural oyster populations is also necessary to inform aquaculture siting efforts to minimize disease interactions between populations.

Duties/Responsibilities:

General duties will include maintenance of laboratory spaces, equipment, and records. The Shellfish Health Program Technician will prepare sample collection instruments and containers for field and laboratory specimens. The Technician will also process oyster tissues and run assays for histopathological, microbiological, and molecular analysis. Specific tasks to be performed are the following:

• Maintain laboratory spaces and equipment - this may include cleaning dishware and workspaces, performing routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory instruments, and maintaining inventory of chemical and biological supplies.
• Preparing sample containers and equipment for field and laboratory collection and processing.
• Process oyster tissues to assess disease burden, reproductive status, and growth using histopathological, microbiological, and molecular methods.
• Conduct data entry, data management, and quality control of field and laboratory data using statistical and database management software.
• Assist in data analysis and reporting of results, including the preparation of peer-reviewed journal manuscripts and conference presentations.
• Travel to study locations in Connecticut and New York and collect oyster population data, whole animal samples, and environmental data.
• Conduct research activities outdoors, often on boats or in marine intertidal environments.

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated and total compensation will vary depending on candidates’ availability. This is a full–time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Academic background in biology, chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, or marine science
• Experience working in a research laboratory setting
• Basic biological principles and experimental design.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to work as part of a research team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in molecular biology techniques, such as DNA extraction, qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction), PCR and gel electrophoresis, and autoclaving equipment
• Experience conducting experimental (i.e. seawater collection, filtration, animal collection/preservation) sampling in the field and on research vessels.

Travel:

Travel to selected study sites in Connecticut and New York may be necessary. Overnight travel may be necessary for travel to distant locations. There may also be travel to conferences to conduct outreach and present results.

Location:

On-site at the Milford Laboratory in Milford, CT is required, though both routine and situational telework may be possible as the project needs allow.