Laboratory & Research Specialist

* Conducts directed GIS mapping tasks including delineation of benthic features including but not limited to oyster aquaculture activities, image acquisition from public sources, image orthorectification and orthomosaicing frames.
* Participates with field work in various parts of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Eastern Shore, including collections of flowering shoots, distribution of seeds, seedling establishment surveys, faunal surveys, biological data, and maintenance of hydrographic data loggers.
* Assists with processing seagrass and invertebrate samples, seed storage and processing, and laboratory experiments as needed.
* Assists as needed with collection of seagrass epifauna samples, seagrass samples, biomass and core samples, trawl and seine samples, water samples, and seed samples.
* Enters, curates, and manages data for various projects with appropriate QA/QC.
* Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro. Knowledge of aquatic ecosystems research. Knowledge of lab and field sample collection and processing techniques and ability to adhere to detailed safety and experimental protocols.
* Ability to perform comfortably in the field and on the water in all weather conditions.
* Experience working on and around small vessels.
* Familiarity with snorkeling with the ability to snorkel comfortably in a wet suit.
* Proficiency in a variety of software applications to include MS Office Suite, with strong data management skills. Effective interpersonal and oral and written communication skills with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
* Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
* Experience working in aquatic science program performing scientific sample processing.
* Experience conducting laboratory and field research.
* Experience participating in field work on the water.

Experience with data analysis and producing figures.
* Experience using Arc Pro
* Two years of professional experience or a relevant master’s degree, preferably in Aquatic or Marine Science, Data Science, GIS, or a closely related field.
* Boating Safety Course or similar certification SCUBA certified
* Demonstrated skills in microscopy with the ability to process and record data.
* Knowledge of invertebrate taxonomy with the ability to use dichotomous keys.
* Atlantic coast seagrass species identification
* Extensive knowledge of Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Eastern Shore ecosystem ecology including flora and fauna is highly preferred.
* Knowledge of maintaining and monitoring seawater systems (e.g. water tables, tanks, aeration)
* Demonstrated skills in sonde (YSI, exo, etc) calibration, deployment, and maintenance.
* Familiarity with operating small vessels including trailering and launching.
* Strong skills in data management.
* Faunal sampling including bag seines, and small trawls.
* Estuarine fish identification in the field. Coding and data analysis in R using R Studio and modern data management libraries (e.g tidyverse, dplyr) Coding and data analysis in Python, particularly with applications in Arc Pro Familiarity with aquaculture industry and practices in Virginia
* Assist with coordination and planning of concurrent grant-funded research projects, including field and laboratory studies in weekly meetings
* Assist with processing seagrass and invertebrate samples, seed storage and processing, and laboratory experiments. Identify and quantify invertebrates in infaunal and epifaunal samples.
* Assist with training (staff, students, and volunteers) on proper lab and field protocols.
* Communicate with supervisors on a weekly basis on how field and lab responsibilities are proceeding.
* Assist with purchasing and management of program supply and equipment inventory.### Benefits William & Mary offers a competitive range of benefits that support employee well‐being and professional growth, including access to on‐campus fitness facilities, university libraries, and other wellness resources. Educational assistance, professional development opportunities, and a robust holiday schedule are also available.
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