Laboratory Technician

University of Colorado System; Allenspark (CO); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Job summary

University of Colorado System's EBIO program seeks a Laboratory Technician to support research on Black Spot Syndrome in Caribbean reef fishes. You will review underwater videos to identify species, quantify disease prevalence, and help develop AI tools for automated identification.

The role includes field expeditions with SCUBA, data management, statistical analyses, and manuscript preparation. A Bachelor’s degree in marine biology or related field and SCUBA certification are required.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, ecology, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• SCUBA Certification: Current SCUBA certification with a minimum of 10 logged dives; willingness to obtain additional diving certifications.
• Data Management and Analysis: Demonstrated experience organizing, cleaning, and analyzing research data; familiarity with R or Python desirable.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to document research activities.

Responsibilities

• Review underwater videos to identify fish species, quantify disease prevalence and intensity, and document fish behavior.
• Assist in collecting ecological observations, managing large datasets, and contributing to preparation of scientific manuscripts.

Skills

Communication skills

Data management and analysis

SCUBA certification

Statistical software (R or Python)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marine biology or related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated Laboratory Technician to supportresearch on Black Spot Syndrome (BSS) and the ecologicalconsequences of parasite infections in Caribbean reef fishes. Thetechnician will contribute to a multidisciplinary research programintegrating marine parasitology, field ecology, behavioralobservations, artificial intelligence, and quantitative dataanalysis.Primary responsibilities will include reviewing underwatervideos to identify fish species, quantify disease prevalence andintensity, and document fish behavior; collecting and organizingecological observations from community science platforms; andassisting in the development and validation of AI-based tools forautomated fish identification and disease detection.The technicianwill also participate in Caribbean field expeditions, includingSCUBA-based collection of biological specimens, environmentalsamples, and abiotic measurements. Additional responsibilitiesinclude maintaining laboratory equipment and facilities, managingand cleaning large ecological datasets, conducting statisticalanalyses, and assisting with the preparation of scientificmanuscripts, figures, and publications.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

EBIO's disciplinary strengths include ecology, evolution,genetics, behavior, biology education research and systematics. Ourresearch programs have relevance for global change, conservationbiology, the spread of diseases, and revealing fundamentalmechanisms underlying the structural and functional adaptations oforganisms.

Research Areas: Our faculty specialize in many fields ofEcology and Evolutionary Biology. Interested in learning more?Visit the various research interests of our faculty.

In the Field: Our faculty, students and researchers travelthe world to conduct research in ecology and evolution. Learn moreabout their experiences and stories in our In the Fieldarticles.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Primary responsibilities will include reviewing underwatervideos to identify fish species, quantify disease prevalence andintensity, and document fish behavior; collecting and organizingecological observations from community science platforms; andassisting in the development and validation of AI-based tools forautomated fish identification and disease detection.
• The technician will also participate in Caribbean fieldexpeditions, including SCUBA-based collection of biologicalspecimens, environmental samples, and abiotic measurements.Additional responsibilities include maintaining laboratoryequipment and facilities, managing and cleaning large ecologicaldatasets, conducting statistical analyses, and assisting with thepreparation of scientific manuscripts, figures, andpublications.

What We Can Offer

The hiring rate for this position is $20.00 per hour.

Benefits

Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are notbenefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, ecology,biology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Research Experience: At least one year of research experiencein ecology, marine biology, or a related discipline, includinglaboratory or field-based research.
• SCUBA Certification: Current SCUBA certification with a minimumof 10 logged dives. Willingness to complete additional scientificdiving certifications and training as required.
• Data Management and Analysis: Demonstrated experienceorganizing, managing, cleaning, and analyzing research data.Familiarity with statistical software such as R or Python isdesirable.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communicationskills, including the ability to document research activities.

What We Would Like You to Have

• The ideal candidate will have a background in marine biology,ecology, or a related field; strong organizational and datamanagement skills; and an interest in marine disease ecology andcomputational approaches. Experience with R or Python, imageanalysis, machine learning, and scientific SCUBA diving isdesirable. Training in specialized research methods may beprovided.