Laboratory Technician

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

Job summary

The University of Colorado in Boulder seeks a part-time Laboratory Technician to support research on Black Spot Syndrome in Caribbean reef fishes. You will review underwater videos, help collect ecological observations, and assist in developing AI tools for fish identification and disease detection.

This role involves field expeditions with SCUBA, data management, statistical analyses, and contributing to manuscripts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree as listed.
• At least one year of ecology/marine biology research experience, lab or field-based.
• SCUBA certification with minimum 10 logged dives.
• Experience organizing, cleaning, and analyzing research data; familiarity with R or Python.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review underwater videos to identify fish species, quantify disease prevalence and intensity, and document fish behavior.
• Participate in Caribbean field expeditions, including SCUBA-based collection of biological specimens and abiotic measurements; maintain lab equipment; manage large datasets; assist with manuscripts.

Skills

SCUBA Certification

R familiarity

Python familiarity

Data management

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Job Details

Location: Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type: Research Faculty

Schedule: Part-Time

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.