Position Available: Marine Biogeochemistry Technician

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The Center for Coastal Margin Observation and Prediction (CMOP), a NSF Science and Technology Center located at Oregon Health & Science University, seeks an exceptional candidate to fill the position of Marine Biogeochemistry Technician. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of researchers whose collective focus is the integrated understanding of physical, chemical and biological processes of coastal margin environments. The candidate should have experience in laboratory chemistry or microbiology and exposure to or experience with the operation and maintenance of field-going oceanographic instrumentation. The position will be based out of Beaverton, Oregon which is located within minutes of downtown Portland.

The primary duties of this position will be to maintain and deploy biogeochemical instruments including in situ nutrient analyzers and advanced instrumentation to measure microbes and gene expression in the environment. Up to 7 weeks per year of work aboard research vessels is required. Regular trips to CMOP’s field station in Astoria, Oregon will also be part of the duties encompassed by this position. The research will be conducted in a cross-disciplinary team environment.

Examples of duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Calibrate instruments for in situ deployments in the Columbia River estuary, plume and tidal freshwater
  • Biological and chemical laboratory analyses
  • Assume a leadership role for data collection and quality assurance for field based biogeochemical instrumentation
  • Synthesize and communicate data output to researchers and students
  • Participate in at least two oceanographic cruises per year, as well as several 1-day maintenance trips aboard smaller vessels and from the dock in the Columbia River estuary

Qualifications:

  • MSc degree in a relevant field, such as chemistry, engineering, microbiology or oceanography, plus 3 years relevant experience; OR, BS degree in relevant field, such as chemistry, engineering, microbiology, or oceanography, plus 7 years relevant experience 
  • Experience working with advanced analytical instrumentation
  • Excellent laboratory and analytical skills
  • Some computer programming experience
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of a collaborative team
  • Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences


Location and eligibility:

  • This position is located at the Oregon Health & Science University West Campus in Beaverton, OR, with occasional need to visit the field site in Astoria, OR.
  • This is a full-time position, requiring occasional evening and weekend hours. Increased time commitments will be required during major projects and deadlines.
  • Ability to regularly lift 25 pounds with occasional need to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Will involve extended time on the water, in both the Columbia River and open ocean.
  • Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents are preferred for this position due to funding source requirements.

To Apply: Please send cover letter and curriculum vitae to Prof. Antonio Baptista, c/o johnsamy@ohsu.edu.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Led by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), CMOP is one of only 17 National Science Foundation Science and Technology Centers. CMOP conducts interdisciplinary research, technology development, education, and knowledge transfer activities in order to achieve a better understanding of physical, chemical, and biological processes regulating river-to-ocean ecosystems.

Our vision is to enable a nearly ubiquitous, river-to-ocean observation of physical and ecological processes and to further our understanding of these processes in order to manage, operate, and sustain coastal resources and ecosystems effectively – while fostering technological innovation, and training a diverse, scientifically literate and technologically savvy workforce.