Lab Technician - Biology​/Environmental Studies

Job Summary

Bowdoin College is seeking a Lab Technician to join the Rogalski Lab in the Department of Biology. This position plays a key role in managing the lab's day-to-day operations and supporting both field surveys and laboratory experiments focused on aquatic ecology and environmental change. The technician will work closely with faculty, staff, and undergraduate researchers in a collaborative and dynamic research environment.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for general lab maintenance, safety, ordering, inventory, organization, and stock solution preparation.
• Train, organize, and support undergraduate student researchers in their daily lab activities.
• Assist with and coordinate the ongoing care of zooplankton (Daphnia) and algal cultures.
• Set up and manage experiments investigating Daphnia responses to pollution and parasite exposure.
• Contribute to fieldwork on coastal Maine lakes, including sampling, processing, and analyzing zooplankton and water samples, as well as preparing and shipping genetic samples.
• Participate in data analysis and manuscript preparation, including literature reviews, data visualization, and writing methods and results sections.

• The hourly rate for this position is $26.35 per hour.
• A variety of health insurance plans (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Generous Retirement Plan - 10.12% annual compensation contribution (Eligible after 1 year of service and age 26), no match or vesting required!
• Life and Disability Insurance
• $1,000 Employee Referral Program Bonus
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays and Special Days Off
• Paid Parental Leave (Available after one year of service)
• Access to many of the College's facilities including the gym and pool (Including household members)
• Free fitness and wellness classes!
• And more: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..html

• Bachelor's degree in Ecology and Evolution, Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field
• A valid driver's license and the ability to meet the requirements of the College's Motor Vehicle Use Policy
• Fundamental ability to plan, conduct, and analyze experiments with semi-independent supervision (training will be provided by the PI)
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proactive communication
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general computer literacy
• Strong swimming ability and comfort handling a canoe or other small boat, or willingness to learn
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds for short distances

Required Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in a research environment
• Recent graduates with relevant laboratory experience (including course-based research) will also be considered

Preferred Qualifications (any of the following)

• Experience conducting field research, particularly in aquatic or marine environments
• Experience culturing live animals
• Knowledge of population and community ecology, evolution, toxicology, and/or disease dynamics
• Skills in statistical analysis and computer programming (e.g., R, SPSS)
• Experience with molecular and analytical techniques such as PCR, fluorometric analysis of water samples (e.g., chlorophyll-a), and population genomic methods (e.g., Pool-seq, ddRAD-seq)

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in this posting to be considered for hire.

• This is a full-time, year-round, grant-funded position working 30 hours per week (0.75 FTE) for 52 weeks per year. Please note that the position is contingent upon continued grant funding.
• The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, with flexible hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. with occasional weekend and/or evening hours based on experiments or field sampling.
• The ideal start date is between February 1 and March 31, 2026, but a start date of June 2026 is possible based on candidate availability. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year based on performance and available funding.

Employment at Bowdoin College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including but not limited to: criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related).

We regret that Bowdoin College is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

EEO Information:
Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or…