The Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium seeks an Assistant Laboratory Research Scientist to support conservation science within the Wildlife and Ocean Health (WOH) Program. This position contributes to laboratory-based efforts to assess the health and reproduction of marine wildlife through endocrine analysis and related techniques. The role focuses on processing biological samples, conducting hormone assays, including enzyme and radioimmunoassays, maintaining laboratory infrastructure, and ensuring high data quality in collaboration with research scientists. The Assistant Research Scientist will support a long-standing (25+ year) endocrine monitoring program and work with a large, long-term archive of biological samples collected from protected marine species. Species of research interest include North Atlantic right whales, Blainville's beaked whales, Florida manatees, Kemp's ridley sea turtles, and leatherback turtles.
This is a full-time, 12 month, grant-funded position. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package. Work must be conducted on-site. The regular schedule will be Monday – Friday, 9a – 4:30p, and may require occasional work on weekends or off hours, depending upon sample schedules or field operations.
Essential Functions
Scientific Research
- Conduct laboratory analyses following established endocrine assay protocols (e.g., EIA, RIA) and quality assurance standards.
- Perform laboratory data collection, biological sample processing, and data entry.
- Maintain accurate and well-organized records of laboratory methods, samples, and results.
- Assist with data organization and preliminary analyses for internal reports and scientific publications.
- Support the development and validation of hormone assay protocols under supervision.
- Apply and uphold laboratory systems and procedures that ensure data quality, reproducibility, and consistency.
Service to the Organization
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to communication within the research group and the broader institution.
- Support preparation of outreach and communications materials (e.g., data summaries, photos, or visuals for blogs, reports, and presentations).
Fundraising and Grant Support
- Contribute technical content, data summaries, and figures for grant proposals and progress reports.
Project and Equipment Management
- Support the maintenance, calibration, and organization of laboratory instruments and supplies.
- Track inventory and assist with procurement of consumables, reagents, and small equipment.
- Uphold laboratory safety, compliance, and documentation requirements at all times.
- Support recordkeeping for the receipt, shipment, storage, and archiving of biological samples, including contributions to a large, long-term biological sample repository.
- Assist with logistics for laboratory work and field sampling.
Collaboration and Communication
- Work closely with the onsite Laboratory Manager to meet project objectives and maintain laboratory operations.
- Communicate regularly with the Laboratory Manager and the program Chair, providing timely updates, sharing data, and proactively raising challenges.
- Contribute to maintaining a positive, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
Other Duties As Assigned
- May assist with fieldwork and sample collection to support endocrine and health-related studies.
- May occasionally participate in outreach or public engagement events.
Qualifications
Minimum Training and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Marine Science, or a related field.
- 1–3 years of relevant laboratory experience (academic, government, or nonprofit setting).
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Familiarity with standard laboratory practices, sample handling, and data recording.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
- Excellent recordkeeping and attention to detail.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research setting.
- Organized, dependable, and effective at problem-solving.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and standard data software.
- Clear and effective communication, with an emphasis on openness in a hybrid/remote research environment.
- Comfortable working with biological samples and specialized laboratory equipment.
- Willingness to occasionally assist with fieldwork or public events.
- Enthusiasm for marine and wildlife conservation.
Additional Information
- Training will be provided for laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, and radiation safety procedures as applicable.
For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/
New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.
