Aquarium & Research Facilities Technician

The Marine Biological Association; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Marine Biological Association is seeking an Aquarium & Research Facilities Technician to ensure the smooth operation of seawater systems and maintain high standards in marine research facilities. This role requires strong technical skills in aquatic systems, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team. Candidates should be proactive problem solvers who can manage competing workloads and demonstrate commitment to marine biology research.

Qualifications

• Experience in maintaining and building aquatic life support systems.
• Knowledge of health and safety practices in aquarium/research environments.
• Willing to work flexible hours including early mornings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Ensure seawater systems operate with high animal welfare standards.
• Provide animal husbandry and experimental design support.
• Coordinate work with students and volunteers.

Skills

Technical skills for aquatic systems

Mechanical systems repair skills

Time management

Communication skills

Science and critical thinking

Ability to supervise others

Tools

Microsoft packages

Job description

Aquarium & Research Facilities Technician

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Aquarium & Research Facilities Technician

Join to apply for the Aquarium & Research Facilities Technician role at The Marine Biological Association

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The Marine Biological Association provided pay range

This range is provided by The Marine Biological Association. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

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Contract type

Open ended - Full time (37 hours per week)

Location

The Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK

About The Role

Do you want to play your part in marine biology research for healthy oceans? Do you want to be at the centre of the effective operation and continual improvement of unique seawater life support systems and state of the art laboratory facilities? Then apply today!

You will be a hands-on pro-active problem solver in order to ensure the critical seawater systems are running smoothly with the highest standards of animal welfare and care. You will be experienced and confident in maintaining aquatic life support systems, providing animal husbandry and experimental system design & development. Your communication and team working will be vital as part of the research aquarium team and wider operational teams that support internal and external users, visitors and volunteers.

Essential experience/skills/qualifications:

• Technical skills and experience of building and maintaining aquatic life support systems including equipment such as pumps, filters and protein skimmers.

• Technical skills and experience for repairing and maintaining mechanical systems.

• Knowledge and experience of health, safety and environmental good practice in an aquarium/research or similar environment.

• Excellent time management and proven ability to manage and organise a responsive and planned workload with competing requirements.

• Willingness and ability to work a rota to cover early mornings, evenings and weekend/bank holidays.

• Physical ability to undertake a range of hands-on activities including manual handling, working with sea water, operating equipment and spending long periods standing.

• Ability to supervise and coordinate others work such as Students or Volunteers.

• IT skills including use of Microsoft packages and ability to learn other systems.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to communicate across a range of audiences from visitors to Senior Staff.

• Ability to work cooperatively across groups e.g. staff, volunteers and contractors.

• Science and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify solutions.

• Ability to work independently.

• Ability to undertake tasks accurately, efficiently and with attention to detail.

• Full driving licence.

For the full job description, please visit our website.

For further information on the position, please contact [e-mail] to arrange a call.

To Apply

Please [e-mail] quoting reference 0625ARFT. You will need to provide three things to apply:

• Covering letter that outlines your previous and most relevant experience and explains how and why this makes you right for the role.
• CV of education and employment history along with details of two referees (one must be your current employer). References will not be sought in advance.
• Confirmation of your right to live and work in the UK*. Your application will not be considered without this information.

* Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Interviews will take place the week commencing 14 July 2025.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Associate

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Science and Research

• Industries

  Research and Facilities Services

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