Freshwater Lab Technician; Part-Time​/Temp

Title

Freshwater Lab Technician (Part-Time/Temp)

• Department:
  Conservation Research
• Reports To:
  
  Research Biologist
• Status:
  Part-Time, Non-Exempt
• Duration: 5 Months
• Pay Rate: $20.00/hr
• Location:
  
  Onsite - Chicago, IL

Join the Urban Fresh waters research program at Shedd Aquarium and help investigate how aquatic communities respond to environmental conditions across the Chicago River system. Our research focuses on understanding how habitat quality, water quality, restoration activities, and urban infrastructure influence biodiversity in one of the country’s most heavily engineered river systems.

We are seeking a technician who is excited by the process of discovering patterns in aquatic ecosystems through hands‑on laboratory work. The primary focus of this role will involve identifying, sorting, and counting aquatic macroinvertebrates, zooplankton, and larval fishes under a microscope, then connecting those community patterns to differences in habitat and environmental conditions among sites. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys careful organism identification, recognizes the ecological stories hidden within biological samples, and is motivated to understand why one location might support a different aquatic community than another.

Leveraging the samples on-hand, the technician will focus their efforts towards an independent research project, identified by their own interests and in collaboration with the Shedd Research Biologists. The project will culminate in a presentation to an internal audience at the end of the appointment.

In addition to aquatic community analyses, the technician may assist with fish diet studies by identifying prey items from fish stomach contents to compare feeding patterns among species and locations. While the position is primarily laboratory-based, there will also be opportunities to participate in fieldwork, including visiting study sites, assisting with sampling efforts, and maintaining research equipment. Field activities will generally make up a small portion of the overall role.

This on‑site part‑time position (minimum of 16 but up to 40 hours per week) is temporary with a maximum of 500 hours. Start and end dates are flexible but starting in late‑August or September is preferred. Work is expected to be conducted during normal business hours (for example between 8 am and 5 pm) at Shedd's Conservation Research Lab. The duration of the position is dependent on the technician’s weekly schedule and dictated by the maximum hours allowed.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values.
• Isolate, enumerate, and identify zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, and larval fish using dissecting microscopes.
• Use taxonomic keys to identify organisms, generally to the family level.
• Assist with analyses of fish stomach contents to compare diets among species and habitats.
• Maintain organized and detailed records of samples, observations, and laboratory procedures.
• Develop and complete a research project under the guidance of Shedd Research experts.
• Participate in occasional field work, including habitat surveys, sample collection, and equipment maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education: Have at least a high school diploma or GED.

• 1+ years of experience in aquatic ecology, biodiversity, or freshwater ecosystems either through employment or coursework.
• Enthusiasm for microscope‑based laboratory work and organism identification.
• Curiosity about how environmental conditions influence biological communities.
• Ability to carefully sort, count, and identify organisms for extended periods of time.
• Familiarity with microscopes and/or taxonomic identification keys.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when recording observations and sample data.
• Critical thinking skills and willingness to take ownership of an independent research project.
• Interest in connecting field observations with laboratory findings to better understand urban ecosystems.

• Accrued Paid Time Off
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program
• Employee discounts
• Employee Tickets

Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs.

Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply.