DBS Research Technician

University System of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); On-site; GBP 31,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University System of New Hampshire invites applications for an Operational Staff Research Technician in the Department of Biological Sciences. The role provides flexible technical support across multiple faculty projects, including aquatic systems, field studies, and lab operations.

Responsibilities cover lab support, field sampling, small-vessel operations, aquatics facility management, and data handling. The position may scale from 30 to 40 hours per week based on funding and needs.

Qualifications

• BS or MS with familiarity in experimental design, biological research, and fieldwork.
• Acoustics analysis experience required.
• One year experience with freshwater and saltwater systems.
• Familiarity with bioacoustics and/or marine research.
• Valid driver''s license, must be able to drive a UNH or other designated vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Provide research laboratory support, including sample processing and data organization.
• Assist with animal care, handling, and monitoring.
• Support field research and small-vessel operations, including sampling and equipment deployment.
• Maintain aquatic facilities and monitor water quality and environmental conditions.
• Troubleshoot and maintain research equipment and facilities.
• Support collaborative research activities across the department.

Skills

Acoustics analysis

Detail oriented

Fieldwork experience

Education

BS or MS in biology/related field

Job description

The Department of Biological Sciences needs to hire an Operational Staff (OS) Research Technician to support the ongoing research of department faculty and support shared COLSA freshwater and seawater aquatics systems in Spaulding and other UNH research locations. The Research Technician will provide flexible technical support across faculty-led research programs within the Department of Biological Sciences. The position may support multiple faculty members and research groups and may involve laboratory, field, aquatic facility, animal care, acoustic monitoring, small-vessel operations, and other research activities. Specific assignments and priorities may vary based on research needs, seasonal field activities, available funding, and departmental priorities. The position may be expanded from 30 to 40 hours per week as funding and departmental needs permits.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Research Laboratory Support (35%)
  • Conduct laboratory activities supporting faculty-led research programs, including sample processing, preparation, measurements, and routine experimental procedures.
  • Assist with animal care, handling, observation, and monitoring in accordance with established protocols and institutional requirements.
  • Prepare, organize, and maintain laboratory materials, equipment, samples, and supplies.
  • Assist with research data collection, documentation, entry, and organization.
  • Provide technical support to multiple research programs as project needs and priorities evolve.
• Field Research & Small-Vessel Operations (25%)
  • Assist with field-based biological and environmental research, including sampling, equipment deployment and retrieval, and field observations.
  • Assist with operation, preparation, cleaning, and routine maintenance of small research vessels and associated equipment.
  • Conduct or assist with acoustic monitoring and other field-based data collection.
  • Prepare equipment and supplies for field activities and organize materials following field deployments.
  • Participate in fieldwork under varying environmental and weather conditions as appropriate.
• Aquatics Facility & Animal Care (20%)
  • Support daily operation, organization, and maintenance of aquatic research facilities.
  • Perform routine animal care and monitoring and maintain appropriate environmental conditions.
  • Assist with water quality monitoring, system maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting.
  • Maintain safe, clean, organized, and functional aquatic research spaces.
  • Communicate facility, equipment, or animal-care issues to appropriate faculty or staff.
• Research Equipment, Facilities & Technical Support (15%)
  • Maintain, organize, prepare, and troubleshoot laboratory, field, acoustic, and aquatic research equipment.
  • Assist with routine equipment maintenance, calibration, and preparation for research use.
  • Maintain inventories of research equipment, supplies, and materials and assist with procurement and restocking.
  • Assist with organization and maintenance of shared research spaces and facilities.
  • Learn and apply new technical methods and equipment as research needs evolve.
• Departmental & Collaborative Research Support (5%)
  • Provide technical and operational support for Department of Biological Sciences research activities and shared facilities.
  • Assist faculty and research groups beyond primary assignments when departmental research needs require.
  • Participate in training, safety activities, facility organization, and other activities that support a collaborative research environment.
  • Other duties as needed.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience

• BS or MS; familiarity with experimental design, biological research, and fieldwork in related fields.
• Acoustics analysis experience required.
• One year experience with freshwater and saltwater systems.
• Familiarity with bioacoustics and/or marine research.
• Capable of working in wet and occasionally cold or windy environments.
• Familiarity and experience with freshwater and saltwater systems.
• Familiarity with aquaponics system and greenhouse operations.
• Valid drivers license, must be able to drive a UNH or other designated vehicle.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• New Hampshire Safe Boating Certificate (state license)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Detail oriented and able to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification to operate UNH SMSOE small vessels.