Small Aquatic Organism Imaging Lead

Tangled Bank Conservation combines rigorous field work with cutting-edge technology to advance conservation. TBC is leading an initiative to survey aquatic biodiversity across the Southeastern US. The goal of this project is to efficiently monitor biodiversity across large geographic scales, and to evaluate how improving aquatic habitat under the USDA’s Southern Waters Framework affects biodiversity.

This project involves imaging and identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates to quantify aquatic biodiversity. We are hiring a two-year, full-time position to lead the macroinvertebrate imaging process, based in Asheville, NC. The position can start as early as September 15, 2026.

In this position you will be responsible for:

• Creating a validated and efficient system to image macroinvertebrates using an Ocean Space Small Aquatic Organism imager
• Organizing thousands of samples in various stages of imaging
• Overseeing and coordinating with multiple employees as they help move samples through imaging system you create — including training, workflow design, and troubleshooting
• Helping with other genomic laboratory tasks as needed (e.g. DNA extraction, sample organization, qPCRs etc.)

This is a high-autonomy role: you ll have ownership over designing an imaging system protocol from scratch, will help coordinate staff, and your process decisions will shape how a multi-state biodiversity monitoring effort scales.

Requirements

• Experience designing clear and efficient sampling SOPs and protocols in a in a lab, clinical, manufacturing, or other high-throughput setting
• Extreme organizational skills
• Proven ability to operate independently and proactively manage issues
• Experience teaching, mentoring, or otherwise leading others in hands-on technical setting
• Bachelor s degree, or equivalent experience, in a field involving structured sample/data processing (biology, lab science, manufacturing QC, clinical operations, etc.)
• Based within commuting distance of Asheville, NC, or willing to relocate

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates
• Experience in a genomic laboratory, including DNA extractions, PCRs, etc.

Compensation

• $40,000 - $44,000 per year, based on experience. While salary is fixed by grant funding, this position offers substantial autonomy in pipeline design, direct people-management experience, and ownership of a process that will scale in a multi-state project — strong experience for someone building a career in lab operations, project management, or conservation science. The position also includes opportunities for growth within TBC.
• Benefits include health care (including dental and vision coverage), paid time off, and matched 401k contributions.

To Apply

DO NOT APPLY ON LINKEDIN. Please include a cover letter, resume and professional references who can speak to your organizational skills, reliability, or lab/technical work in your application. Your cover letter, resume and reference contact information should be compiled and sent as a single PDF file titled “First  .pdf”. Please send your application via email to hiring.