Laboratory Technician

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

Job summary

University of Colorado Boulder EBIO seeks a motivated Laboratory Technician to support research on marine parasitology and ecological effects of infections in Caribbean reef fishes. You will review underwater videos, quantify disease prevalence, and assist in AI-based identification tools, with field expeditions and data management duties.

The role entails SCUBA-based sample collection, data cleaning, statistical analyses, and contributing to manuscripts and figures for publication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, ecology, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Experience in ecology, marine biology, or related discipline including lab or field-based research.
• SCUBA certification with minimum 10 logged dives; willingness to obtain additional certifications.
• Experience organizing, cleaning, and analyzing research data; familiarity with R or Python desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including documenting research activities.

Responsibilities

• Review underwater videos to identify fish species and quantify disease prevalence and intensity.
• Collect and organize ecological observations from community science platforms; assist AI-based tools for fish identification and disease detection.
• Participate in Caribbean field expeditions, including SCUBA-based collection of specimens and environmental samples; maintain lab equipment and large datasets.
• Assist with statistical analyses; contribute to manuscript preparation and figures for publications.

Skills

SCUBA Certification

Data management

Communication skills

Statistical software (R/Python)

Education

Bachelor's degree in marine biology, ecology, biology, environmental science, or related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated Laboratory Technician to support research on Black Spot Syndrome (BSS) and the ecological consequences of parasite infections in Caribbean reef fishes. The technician will contribute to a multidisciplinary research program integrating marine parasitology, field ecology, behavioral observations, artificial intelligence, and quantitative data analysis. Primary responsibilities will include reviewing underwater videos to identify fish species, quantify disease prevalence and intensity, and document fish behavior; collecting and organizing ecological observations from community science platforms; and assisting in the development and validation of AI-based tools for automated fish identification and disease detection. The technician will also participate in Caribbean field expeditions, including SCUBA-based collection of biological specimens, environmental samples, and abiotic measurements. Additional responsibilities include maintaining laboratory equipment and facilities, managing and cleaning large ecological datasets, conducting statistical analyses, and assisting with the preparation of scientific manuscripts, figures, and publications.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

EBIO's disciplinary strengths include ecology, evolution, genetics, behavior, biology education research and systematics. Our research programs have relevance for global change, conservation biology, the spread of diseases, and revealing fundamental mechanisms underlying the structural and functional adaptations of organisms.

Research Areas

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

In the Field

Our faculty, students and researchers travel the world to conduct research in ecology and evolution. Learn more about their experiences and stories in our In the Field articles.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Primary responsibilities will include reviewing underwater videos to identify fish species, quantify disease prevalence and intensity, and document fish behavior; collecting and organizing ecological observations from community science platforms; and assisting in the development and validation of AI-based tools for automated fish identification and disease detection.
• The technician will also participate in Caribbean field expeditions, including SCUBA-based collection of biological specimens, environmental samples, and abiotic measurements. Additional responsibilities include maintaining laboratory equipment and facilities, managing and cleaning large ecological datasets, conducting statistical analyses, and assisting with the preparation of scientific manuscripts, figures, and publications.

What We Can Offer

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

Benefits

Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-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 experience in ecology, marine biology, or a related discipline, including laboratory or field-based research.
• SCUBA Certification: Current SCUBA certification with a minimum of 10 logged dives. Willingness to complete additional scientific diving certifications and training as required.
• Data Management and Analysis: Demonstrated experience organizing, managing, cleaning, and analyzing research data. Familiarity with statistical software such as R or Python is desirable.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, 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 data management skills; and an interest in marine disease ecology and computational approaches. Experience with R or Python, image analysis, machine learning, and scientific SCUBA diving is desirable. Training in specialized research methods may be provided.