Microbial Oceanography Junior Specialist

University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC); Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ocean Sciences Department at UC Santa Cruz invites applications for a Microbial Oceanography Junior Specialist in the lab, under the supervision of Dr. Kendra Turk-Kubo.

This position supports research on the distribution and activity of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in open ocean and coastal environments. The Junior Specialist will spend approximately 40% of their time on overseeing laboratory operations and safety management, 40% on marine microbial ecology research support, and 20% on

Qualifications

• Demonstrated undergraduate research experience.
• B.S. in Biology, Marine Biology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences or closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Oversee laboratory operations and safety management.
• Support marine microbial ecology research.
• Train and supervise undergraduate researchers.
• Help build an inclusive lab culture.

Skills

Microbial ecology techniques

Lab operations

Training & mentorship

Safety compliance

Communication & organization

Education

B.S. in Biology or closely related field

Undergraduate research experience

Job description

The Ocean Sciences Department at UC Santa Cruz invites applications for a Microbial Oceanography Junior Specialist in the lab, under the supervision of Dr. Kendra Turk-Kubo. This position supports research on the distribution and activity of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in open ocean and coastal environments. The Junior Specialist will spend approximately 40% of their time on overseeing laboratory operations and safety management, 40% on marine microbial ecology research support, and 20% on training and supervising undergraduate researchers.

We encourage applicants with experience in any of the following areas to apply:

• Techniques relevant to microbial ecology: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, microscopy, flow cytometry, fluorescence-based methods, microbial cultivation, or processing environmental/marine samples.
• Lab operations: Experience managing an academic lab, including keeping inventories, and SOPs, ordering supplies, and coordinating equipment maintenance and vendors.
• Safety: Familiarity with chemical hygiene, hazardous waste, SDS management, and safety compliance.
• Training and communication: Experience training new lab members and giving hands‑on instruction. Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Work style: Ability to manage multiple projects, work independently and as part of a team, and help build a positive, inclusive lab culture.

The hiring unit will not sponsor employment‑eligible immigration statuses for this position.

• B.S. (or equivalent foreign degree) in Biology, Marine Biology, Earth Sciences, Environmentall Sciences or closely related field.
• Demonstrated undergraduate research experience.

Your application must demonstrate (e.g., in your C.V. or cover letter) that you meet all of the basic qualifications when you submit your application. There are no exceptions to this requirement.