Research Associate

Research Associate – level 1 or 2
Molecular Biology and Biogeochemistry
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

BACKGROUND:
We are looking for a Research Associate at
the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences
(BIOS). The position will be shared
between Drs. Amy Maas and Leocadio Blanco-
Bercial, whose focuses are on
characterizing the biodiversity and
biogeochemical contributions of the
zooplankton in the Sargasso Sea and
beyond. The technician will be working on
a new NSF funded project about circadian
physiology, a NASA EXPORTS project
detailing zooplankton contributions to
carbon flux, and the BIOSSCOPE project
exploring the interactions between
zooplankton, microbial communities and
DOM. The position is available starting
January 2019 and review of applications
will be ongoing until a suitable candidate
is found.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Candidates must be able to spend time at
sea on both small and large vessels. The
ideal candidate will have a background in
biology/biogeochemistry with experience in
molecular biology techniques. Although
experience is desirable, training will be
available and most important is a
willingness to learn, attention to detail
and a capacity to spend time at sea. Some
tasks are quite tedious, requiring
dedication and patience. This person will
be expected to go out to sea 4-6 times per
year for 1 week periods. Specific
responsibilities include sample
preparation and image scanning of
zooplankton samples, molecular extraction
of zooplankton DNA/RNA, buffer
preparation, enzyme assays, data
management and record keeping. Some lab
management tasks will be required (e.g.
ordering supplies, maintaining equipment,
etc).

REQUIREMENTS:
BSc/BA in biology, biochemistry, molecular
biology, or related field required,
Master’s degree desirable.
Experience working in a molecular
biology/biogeochemistry lab, whether at
the undergrad or grad level, is desirable.
Experience working with DNA extractions is
highly desirable, although training will
be provided.
Competence in standard computer software
such as Word and Excel is a must.
Willingness to work at sea for ~1 week to
1 month periods of time, with an expected
at sea presence between 1-1.5 months over
the course of the year is required.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The position is available for a one-year
term to start as soon as feasible, with
the potential for extension. It will be
filled in accordance with the policies of
BIOS and the Immigration Department for
Bermuda. Starting salary is
$36,000-$38,000 USD depending on level of
experience. The Bermuda Institute of Ocean
Sciences (BIOS), Inc. is a U.S.
incorporated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit
research and education institution
employing a multi-national staff of
approximately 80 people. Activities
include oceanographic and marine
biological research conducted by resident
and visiting scientists, and university
level courses on topics ranging from
marine pollution to remote sensing.
Additional information on BIOS can be
found on the World-Wide-Web at
http://www.bios.edu/.

Please send your CV and a statement of
research interests to:
Dr. Amy Maas at amy.maas@bios.edu