Biological Sciences Research Technician

Position Details

Department: COMES - Newport Exp Sta (ASF)

Classification

Title:

Bio Science Research Tech 2

Job Title: Biological Sciences Research Technician 2

Appointment Type: Classified Staff

Job Location: Newport

Benefits Eligible: Full-Time, benefits eligible

Employment Category: Regular

The technician will produce microalgae for the USDA ARS Pacific Shellfish Research Unit and support the hatchery needs of the ARS breeding program, Pacific Oyster Genomic Selection (POGS). The incumbent will be supervised by the POGS algologist and be principally responsible for culturing multiple phytoplankton species simultaneously, maintaining and operating algal photobioreactors, and conducting phytoplankton monitoring.

• Culture phytoplankton for research and feeding marine invertebrates, using aseptic culturing techniques to grow and maintain cultures of 15+ species.
• Operate and maintain six industrial plankton photobioreactors, including inoculation, maintenance, repair, and seawater system upkeep.
• Conduct phytoplankton monitoring, including algae quantifications in shellfish husbandry systems.
• Plan algae production schedules to meet aquaculture research needs and coordinate with the algologist.
• Support POGS breeding program husbandry and PSRU data collection, including cleaning systems, assisting in breeding operations, and collecting data.

• Two years of college‑level courses in marine science, microbiology, aquaculture, or closely related discipline and one year of related experience at Biological Research Technician 1 level, or equivalent combination.
• Experience working in a scientific laboratory or aquatic animal husbandry facility.
• Must meet all eligibility and security requirements necessary to work within a NOAA federal facility.

• B.S. degree in marine science, microbiology, oceanography, aquaculture, or related field.
• Experience with highly repetitive, detail‑oriented projects.
• Knowledge of phytoplankton ecology, monitoring, and identification.
• Experience with sterile culturing practices and phytoplankton.
• Animal husbandry experience with bivalve shellfish or marine invertebrates.

Ability to perform repetitive tasks, manual labor in wet laboratories, and push/pull 50 pounds. Weekend work required at least one weekend every 5‑6 weeks. Holiday work rotating. Field work may be in inclement weather and odd hours. Current driver’s license required.

Pay Method: Hourly
Pay Period: 16th – 15th of following month
Pay Date: Last working day of month
Salary Range: $18.06 – $26.20 per hour

Christy Deykes
deykesc
541‑867‑0230

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. Background checks will be conducted as described.