DBS Research Technician

University of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); On-site; USD 27,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Hampshire invites applications for an OS Research Technician to support faculty research and shared aquatics systems in Spaulding and other UNH locations. The role spans lab, field, aquatics, and vessel operations with 30–40 hrs/week as funding allows.

Responsibilities cover lab processing, field sampling, animal care, equipment maintenance, and collaborative support across programs, emphasizing safety and adaptability in varying conditions.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in a relevant field with experimental design familiarity.
• 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 windy environments.
• Familiarity with aquaponics systems and greenhouse operations.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive UNH vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Research Laboratory Support: conduct lab activities, assist animal care, prepare materials, and support data collection.
• Field Research & Small‑Vessel Operations: assist with field sampling, equipment deployment, and vessel maintenance.
• Aquatics Facility & Animal Care: support daily aquatics facility operations and water quality monitoring.
• Research Equipment, Facilities & Technical Support: maintain and troubleshoot equipment; manage inventories and supplies.
• Departmental & Collaborative Research Support: provide technical and operational support across departments and groups.
• Other duties as needed and safety/training participation.

Skills

Acoustics analysis

Freshwater & saltwater systems

Bioacoustics / marine research

Driver's license

Education

BS or MS

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.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Compensation Pay Range

$19.27 - $31.75

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

Location

Durham