Research Operations Support Specialist

Duties:

The Research Operations Support Specialist will facilitate the delivery of regionally relevant applied research on VIU's Nanaimo Campus and at VIU's Deep Bay Marine Field Station. This is a hands-on position, primarily in marine sciences but also in health sciences, taking care of the day-to-day tasks that add up to great research outputs. In support of this goal, the specialist will provide the following services:

Culturing Micro and Macro Algae
We culture many strains of algae on a daily basis as feed for shellfish. We also produce kelp on a variety of substrates for use in research, education, and restoration.

Invertebrate Care
We support research on Pacific oysters, Japanese scallops, and local clam species. We collect, condition, spawn and care for shellfish used in research and education and outplant them on our aquaculture lease when they're ready.

Vertebrate Care
We support the use of fin fish on our Nanaimo campus for research and educational purposes. Species commonly housed include salmonids and sturgeon. We maintain RAS and flowthrough aquatic systems, dechlorination systems, and wastewater management systems.

Instrumentation Support
Great research requires precise measurement. We support and maintain a wide variety of scientific instrumentation. We also assist in the use of this equipment when needed.

Regulatory Support
We are a federally licensed finfish hatchery, shellfish hatchery, and shellfish farm. We support researchers in understanding their regulatory requirements and assist them in maintaining compliance. VIU also holds a Certificate of Good Animal Practice from the Canadian Council on Animal Care, and we take our responsibilities for the ethical and humane use of animals for research and education very seriously.

Facilities Based Support
We build research systems, assist in the use of VIU buildings for research, and help with the installation of equipment and other infrastructure needed for research.

We are a service-based group who are purposeful about creating a fun, engaging, and supportive workplace. We interact regularly with external partners and get to work with the people who benefit from our research. We work indoors, outdoors, on boats, and all over Vancouver Island with partners like the Bamfield Centre for Marine Sciences and many First Nations.

We are looking for someone who:

Required Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.