Biological Laboratory Technician (Temporary, Multiple Openings)

University of Washington; Juneau (AK); On-site; USD 66,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington seeks two Temporary Biological Laboratory Technicians to support the Crustacean Assessment and Ecology Program at the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Kodiak Laboratory, Kodiak, Alaska. You will assist with seawater experiments, field sampling, and data collection under supervision of senior researchers.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in fisheries/oceanography or related science and at least one year of lab or field experience, plus strong teamwork

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Oceanography, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, or a related field and one year of laboratory or field research experience.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work as part of a dynamic team with good communication skills.
• Eagerness to learn new skills and attention to detail, especially in scientific analyses and data collection.
• Physically fit to lift 50 lb on the back deck of a moving vessel.

Responsibilities

• Support the setup and execution of seawater lab experiments, including construction of experimental systems.
• Collect and record data; take biological measurements and samples; perform animal dissection.
• Conduct physiological trials, including respirometry and feeding rate assays.
• Input and process data; perform QA/QC; analyze digital images.
• Perform analytical chemical analyses, including alkalinity titration, spectrophotometric pH determination, and bomb calorimetry.
• Perform daily laboratory tasks, including instrument calibration, maintenance, cleaning, and inventory management.
• Assist in animal husbandry, including feeding, tank cleaning, and water quality monitoring.
• Participate in annual trawl surveys in the eastern and northern Bering Sea; live 3–4 weeks at sea (not more than 60 days/year).
• Conduct species identification and biological measurements/sample collection for fish and crab species.
• Support local field work, including day trips on small boats out of Kodiak.
• Provide top-side support for dive operations.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Eagerness to learn

Attention to detail

Physical fitness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries/ Oceanography/ Natural Sciences/ Mathematics

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, SAFS, has an outstanding opportunity for two Temporary Biological Laboratory Technician to join their team. This is a temporary 12-months position.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to the Professor, the Temporary Biological Laboratory Technician will support research and assessment on Alaskan crab species based out of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s (AFSC) Kodiak Laboratory in Kodiak, Alaska. These roles offer the opportunity to contribute to critical studies on economically important species—primarily commercial crab populations—and examine how environmental conditions like temperature and ocean acidification influence their development and reproductive success.

Key Responsibilities

Experimental Research – 45%

• Support the setup and execution of seawater lab experiments, including construction of experimental systems
• Collect and record data; take biological measurements and samples; perform animal dissection
• Conduct physiological trials, including respirometry and feeding rate assays
• Input and process data; perform QA/QC; analyze digital images
• Perform analytical chemical analyses, including alkalinity titration, spectrophotometric pH determination, and bomb calorimetry

Laboratory & Animal Care – 30%

• Perform daily laboratory tasks, including instrument calibration, maintenance, cleaning, and inventory management
• Assist in animal husbandry, including feeding, tank cleaning, and water quality monitoring

Field Research – 25%

• Participate in annual trawl surveys in the eastern and northern Bering Sea, including living 3–4 weeks continuously at sea (not more than 60 days/year)
• Conduct species identification and biological measurements/sample collection for both fish and crab species
• Support local field work, including day trips on small boats out of Kodiak
• Provide top-side support for dive operations

Required Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Oceanography, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, or a field and one year of experience in laboratory or field research.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager

Additional Qualifications

• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office
• Ability to work as part of a dynamic team including good communication skills
• Eagerness to learn new skills
• Attention to detail; particularly related to scientific analyses and data collection
• Physically fit: able to lift 50 lb on the back deck of a moving vessel

Working Conditions

• Occasional weekend or holiday work may be required.
• Includes travel to Dutch Harbor (Bering Sea) for trawl surveys.
• All necessary laboratory and field safety training, including hazardous chemical handling, and cold-water survival at sea training will be provided.

About The Team

Successful applicants will join the Crustacean Assessment and Ecology Program at NOAA's Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) Kodiak Laboratory, working primarily under the supervision of Dr. William Christopher Long, Research Ecologist/Research Fishery Biologist, and Jennifer Gardner, Research Fisheries Biologist. The team conducts applied research on the biology, ecology, and physiology of Alaskan commercial crab species, with a focus on how environmental stressors such as temperature and ocean acidification affect development, reproduction, and survival. Technicians will work closely with this small, collaborative team in both laboratory and field settings, gaining hands‑on experience across experimental design, animal husbandry, seawater chemistry, and at‑sea data collection in support of stock assessment and climate‑resilience research.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum

$66,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$84,000.00 annual

Benefits

Other Compensation: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular

This is a temporary position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.