Research Assistant I

Marine Biological Laboratory; Falmouth (MA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Marine Biological Laboratory in Massachusetts is seeking a part-time Research Assistant I to assist in cephalopod husbandry and lab work to support ongoing research projects.

The role involves maintaining healthy populations, supervising a high school student, and possibly participating in live animal behavioral studies. A Biology degree and strong communication are essential, with a focus on accuracy and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required or related field.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks, and keep accurate records.
• Prior experience with live marine animals is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate maintenance and feeding of a colony of cephalopods and octopus.
• Tank maintenance for sea life species.
• Apply animal husbandry techniques including welfare, behavior, and water quality.
• Communicate animal details with lab members and Marine Resources Department.
• Assist in supervising a high school student.
• Potential to participate in original research.

Skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Communication

Attention to detail

Learn new techniques

Animal care

Education

Bachelors degree in Biological Sciences

Job description

Job Details

Description

Position Summary: This is a part-time, temporary position for 10-15 hours per week through December 31st, or as long as funding is available. The main duties of the position involve the husbandry of multiple cephalopod species, primarily the common European cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), the Pharaoh cuttlefish (Acanthosepion pharaonis), and the California two-spot octopus (Octopus bimaculoides). The main objective is to facilitate the maintenance of healthy populations of cuttlefish and octopus in several life stages to meet research needs. The RAI may be assisted by a temporary high school student to accomplish animal care tasks each week, and some supervision of this student may also be required. If time allows, there may also be the opportunity to participate in research with live animal behavioral experiments or other ongoing research in the lab.

Major Duties

• Facilitate maintenance and feeding of a colony of about 50 juvenile Sepia officinalis, 12 Acanthosepion pharaonis, and several Octopus bimaculoides
• Tank maintenance for cuttlefish and octopus species
• Animal husbandry techniques and concerns involve, but are not limited to: animal behavior, sensory biology, animal welfare, pathology, intraspecific aggression, habitat choice, and water quality
• Communicate animal details with the rest of the lab members and Marine Resources Department on a regular basis
• Assist in supervising high school student
• Potential to participate in original research

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or related fields
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Must be able to work independently
• Excellent communication (oral and written) skills and attention to detail
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records and follow instructions
• Prior experience working with live (marine) animals would be beneficial, but not required

Physical Requirements

Occasional lifting of heavy objects (<30 pounds).

Required Documents

• Cover letter explaining specifically why you are interested in joining our lab and what positive qualities you would bring to our team.
• V. / resume
• List of 3 references