[JOB] [MAINE] [FT] [Microalgae Curator]

[Rachele Spadafore]

Link to Website Posting

Overview
Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Microalgae Curator. This position is part of the NCMA Curatorial Team and will be primarily responsible for curating a portion of NCMA’s microalgae collection.  While initial training will be provided by other curators, the successful applicant must be self-motivated in further developing the additional knowledge needed to successfully maintain the portion of the NCMA collection for which they are responsible.  Furthermore, being part of a curatorial team, this position requires the successful applicant to communicate effectively and frequently with the entire curatorial team to ensure successful curation of the entire NCMA collection.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours/week) position with an ideal start date of April 3, 2023. This position is open to more experienced applicants and the hire can be at the Assistant or Associate Curator level consistent with Bigelow Laboratory’s technical hire matrix. Salary will be in the range of $21-25/hr ($40,950-48,750 per annum) and commensurate with demonstrated relevant experience of the candidate. The position comes with a generous benefits package including health care, retirement contribution, and paid time off.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Botany/Biology or a closely related field is required.
• The position requires demonstrated experience in cell or tissue culture, especially with regard to aseptic techniques, and demonstrated experience in the culture of macroalgae tissue and gametophytes, and knowledge of macroalgae life histories.
• The position requires excellent written and verbal skills, including an ability to conduct business professionally via the telephone, e-mail and in person.
• The position requires knowledge and experience using computers, relational databases, word processing, Windows operating systems, e-mail, and other software applications. 
• Reliability is especially important because of an absolute need for timely delivery of cultures or culture products and the need to maintain good customer relations.
• The position requires the ability to work both as an individual and as part of the curatorial team, currently three staff members, to seamlessly transition work activities should the need arise.  The applicant must have a high degree of integrity, particularly with regard to the financial aspects of the job. 

 
Responsibilities:

• The Microalgae Curator will ultimately have primary responsibility for curating about one-third of the microalgae collection (~800 strains).
• The Microalgae Curator will assist current curators in preparing media for the microalgae collection and customer products (e.g., prepared media, media kits, and starter media).
• The Microalgae Curator may be asked to assist with the duties of other NCMA personnel when those personnel are absent or if designated workload needs to be allocated temporarily due to project deadlines.  
• The microalgae curator is required to be part of the “Responding to Alarm” rotation.  This requires the curator to respond to alarms, during their pre-scheduled intervals, arising from culture collection incubators being out of specification. 
• The Microalgae Curator is responsible for general lab management and good laboratory practice, including but not limited to: data recordkeeping and completion of specific project activities.
• Reporting any potential or perceived violations of applicable laws, rules, or Laboratory policies to the immediate supervisor, CEO, the Human Resources Director, or the Vice President for Research as appropriate.

Special Requirement: The ordinary work schedule is a regular work day/week. The successful curator is required to be part of the “Responding to Alarm” rotation. This requires the curator to be within 90 minutes, preferably less, of NCMA during intervals of time when they are responsible for responding to alarms arising from culture collection incubators being out of specification.

Apply
Applicants should submit the following to our online application portal:

• A one-page cover letter describing interest in the position and why you are the best applicant for the position.
• A detailed curriculum vitae or resume specifically highlighting experience in the stated requirements.
• Contact information for three references

For full consideration, the application should be received by 11:59 PM EDT Sunday, February 12, 2023. Review of applicants will begin immediately thereafter. The search will continue until the position is filled.

Individuals seeking more information about this position or needing to request an accommodation, please contact car...@bigelow.org or (207) 315-2567, ext. 107.

Working at Bigelow Laboratory
Bigelow Laboratory is an inclusive community of scientists from around the world that welcomes and supports diverse opinions and cultures. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences strives to maintain an environment that allows our employees to flourish through respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment of others. We believe there is power in embracing the full diversity of humanity to advance science and are committed to supporting each other as individuals worthy of respect. Bigelow Laboratory is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.