Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory Technician

Roger Williams University

Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory Technician

Bristol, RI

Professional and Clerical, Full-time Regular

Posted: 16 June 2026

Reporting to the Director of the Center Economic & Environmental Development (CEED), and under the supervision of the Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) director and veterinarian, the Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory Technician assists ADL managers with diagnostics, research, and histology. The technician uses good laboratory practices to process and conduct diagnostic testing methods, maintain specific diagnostic protocols, and conduct testing to a high standard of accomplishment.

The technician assists in the general maintenance of the aquatics laboratory and helps maintain bivalves, crustaceans, fish, and the health of all species within the laboratory and in different locations where animals may be kept.

This is a three-year salaried, non-tenured position. The selected candidate must commit to the full three-year term. Performance will be evaluated after the first year, with continued appointment contingent upon a satisfactory review.

• Assist in receiving, processing and conducting diagnostic tests (quantitative PCR, PCR, NECROPHIES, etc.) on bivalves and fish submitted to the laboratory for disease testing from aquaculture interests, regulators, and others.
• Assist in receiving, processing and conducting diagnostic tests for histology on bivalves and fish submitted to the laboratory for disease testing from aquaculture interests, regulators, and others.
• Assemble resulting data in written and graphed reports.
• Maintain proper collection and disposal of waste generated in the laboratory and consult with the Laboratory Manager to ensure safe disposal.
• Conduct and assist in conducting research, methodically collect and record data, and assemble resulting data in written and graphed reports to report research-based data to the Lab Manager and ADL director.
• Help analyze, develop, and refine diagnostic test methods used in the laboratory.
• Under the guidance of the Manager and Veterinarian, directly supervise and train students working in the diagnostic laboratory in appropriate diagnostic and research procedures and help students develop new research protocols.

• Maintain proper records of all incoming samples and resulting data using a computer-generated filing program.
• Maintain proper storage and records of physical materials, including, but not limited to, slides, blocks, frozen tissue, and photographs.
• Make sample collection trips and site visits to various aquaculture leases (both intertidal and subtidal) and other aquatic facilities in various weather conditions, with and without the use of boats.
• Collect or help to collect samples on sites and keep them organized during collection.
• Provide lab support to the IACUC veterinarian and consultant and service provider Veterinarian when that Veterinarian provides services to the RWU lab animals.

• Interact and arrange sample submissions with aquaculture industries, regulators, and other diagnostic laboratory customers.
• Design and present posters and presentations at conferences and help author peer‑reviewed papers and student presentations.
• Assist the Manager in supply stocking and ordering.

• Attend all Aquatic Diagnostic Lab and Center Economic & Environmental Development (CEED) meetings, conferences and tours, and/or accompany visits to the ADL and/or CEED.
• Represent the ADL, CEED, and RWU at local and national meetings.
• Interact with other non‑ADL CEED technicians to help coordinate and accomplish needed CEED‑based tasks; interact with other aquatic professors to accomplish goals as approved by the directors.
• Provide laboratory support to all managers and/or veterinarians and other aquatic professors as approved by the ADL director.
• Communicate and interact with other users of the facility.

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology or Biology.
• Two years of laboratory experience, molecular biology experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of bivalves, crustaceans, fish biology, ecology, shellfish field sampling techniques,…