THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND                   Position # 107554 (PTAA)

                                                                                      Position Description  

position is limited to one year with extension contingent on funding

TITLE:                                Marine Research Assistant II

DIVISION:                         Academic Affairs (Graduate School of Oceanography)

REPORTS TO:                Principal Investigator and/or Marine Research Associate

GRADE:                              3

SUPERVISES:                 undergraduate students

BASIC FUNCTION:

Provide research assistance at and support operations of marine plankton lab. Help ensure safe, efficient and reliable operations of the laboratory facilities and support research functions both at URI and during seagoing work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform directed research work under occasional supervision.

Maintain and propagate cultures of marine phytoplankton.

Prepare written reports of status of phytoplankton cultures.

Use chemicals safely and in compliance with hazardous materials regulations; maintain a laboratory notebook and safety records.

Keep laboratory organized, equipment clean and functioning, order supplies and keep lab stocked to ensure effective operation.

Handle and maintain technical instruments including incubators, computers, balances, microscopes and video equipment.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform other duties as required.

LICENSES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

Personal computers, printers, word processing, database management and spreadsheet software (e.g., Office, Open Office).  Seawater manifolds, incubators, autoclaves, pipettes, microscopes. Must be able to lift heavy equipment in the laboratory, field and at sea.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position is subject to adverse environmental conditions due to working around seawater, on boats and with chemicals and live micro-algae.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:  Bachelor's degree in biological, marine sciences or related field; minimum of two years of experience in a laboratory or research setting; computer literacy, including ability to use Microsoft Office or equivalent software to produce written reports and graphs; strong interpersonal skills; ability to function as part of a team; willingness to work independently; ability to work with a diverse population.  Preferred:  Knowledge of microbiological or plankton culturing techniques; data analysis including basic descriptive statistics; experience with image analysis and digital video; enthusiasm to ask ecological, scientific questions.

TO APPLY:

Submit (no emails or faxes, please) a resume and cover letter postmarked by 02-23-09 to:

Susanne Menden-Deuer, Search Chair
Requisition # 12378
University of Rhode Island
PO Box G
Kingston, RI 02881

Salary Range: $26,729 - $33,517

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.  The University of Rhode Island if an E-Verify employer.