Lab Technician - Biology​/Environmental Studies

Lab Technician – Biology / Environmental Studies Special Instructions for Applicants

Applicants selected as finalists must submit information for three references: name, email address, phone number, and relationship.

Posting Number: S01504JP

Department:
Biology

Bowdoin College seeks 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)
• 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

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

• 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)

• 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…