Compensation: $40,883-$50,643, plus benefits
Deadline: Open until filled. Application review begins July 18, 2022
Note: This is not a federal position

Position Description:
The Smithsonian Institution seeks an energetic, field-oriented biologist to support research on biological communities of oyster reefs and soft sediment habitats in Chesapeake Bay. The position is based in SERC’s Fisheries Conservation Lab, led by Dr. Matt Ogburn (https://serc.si.edu/labs/fisheries-conservation).

The technician will assist with field and laboratory research on long-term changes in benthic habitats of Chesapeake Bay, focusing on oyster reef restoration and fisheries and co-leading a long-term (since 1979) survey of soft sediment communities. Duties include field sampling, independent work such as sorting and identifying invertebrates using a dissecting microscope, analyzing ARIS sonar videos and data management, and participation in team research such as study design, publication and communication of results, and trawl and seine surveys.

The position is based at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland, and requires occasional travel. This is an entry-level, full-time position with a comprehensive benefits package (starting salary based on degree obtained and experience).

Requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine science or related field
  • Demonstrated interest/experience in oyster reef communities, soft sediment communities or both
  • Detail-oriented, responsible and prepared to work in challenging field conditions (lifting heavy objects, hot and cold days, soft mud)
  • Data entry and management skills (Microsoft Office and R preferred)
  • Preferred: Practical knowledge of field research procedures, and biology and taxonomy of estuarine organisms
  • Willingness to learn skills valuable to research teams, including driving large trucks, driving and trailering boats, using power tools, and developing content for websites and social media
    Experience with these skills, as well as analyzing ARIS or DIDSON sonar videos and conducting scientific diving (AAUS preferred), should be noted in the application

The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the U.S. The SERC community recognizes the value of diversity in promoting innovative science and creative solutions, and we strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We recognize that each applicant will bring unique skills, knowledge, experiences and background to these positions. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race/ethnicity, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital/parental/caregiver status and disability.

To apply: Please send the following as a single PDF document to Matt Ogburn (ogburnm@si.edu): Curriculum Vitae, cover letter summarizing relevant experience, and the names and full contact information (email, phone, postal address) of three references.