Laboratory Coordinator

• This is a instruction, coordination, and support position that emphasizes successful academic program delivery by Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the fauna and flora of the Gulf of Maine is expected.
• Organize and guide instructors.
• Supervise and train teaching assistants and SML participants (including but not limited to students, adult education courses, user groups, visiting lecturers, student and faculty researchers) in the use and/or operation of teaching equipment and supplies,
• Serve as scientific crew on SML’s research vessels to optimize participants educational experiences.
•Must balance competing needs of multiple concurrent programs and be diplomatic in dealing with instructors, while adapting to changing needs and priorities.
• Provide classroom instruction and lead field trips as needed.
• Design and modify existing equipment to fill participant and instructor needs.
• Devise effective solutions in the event of equipment failure or unavailability (e.g., sampling nets and gear).
• Oversee collection and maintenance of biological specimens as needed using, nets, hand collecting, etc. Support necroscopy activities, including prep and final disposition, including management of a large frozen and chemically preserved collection.
• If trained, qualified, and approved as an AAUS scientific diver at the University of New Hampshire, the Lab Coordinator may work with other SML scientific divers in the collection of biological specimens as needed using SCUBA.
• Work with local fishermen and agencies to obtain specimens needed for SML’s academic programs.
• Responsible for maintaining detailed records of all specimen collections conducted by SML academic courses and researchers, per requirements outlined in SML permits.
• Responsible for managing the inventory of SML’s research and teaching laboratory spaces and will manage ordering of equipment.
• Assist with operation of the Appledore Store.
• Provide tours of and orientation to SML facilities.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for students, researchers, and visitors.
• Implement initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Expected to be available for consultation and emergency response at all times, on days scheduled to be working, and while on SML property and vessels.
• Serve as a crew member on board a commercial or an oceanographic vessel.
• Other duties as assigned.
• $900 weekly pay rate
• This is a seasonal position, employment dates: May 5, 2025-September 7, 2025
• Review of applications will begin on January 6th, 2025, and will remain open until filled.

Required Qualifications

• Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States.
• Selected candidates must be able to successfully participate in pre-employment and random drug testing.
• meet the University of New Hampshire’s hiring requirements for both criminal and driving history (background checks are required).
• Applicants must have interest in working in a remote educational environment.
• Working knowledge of the flora and fauna in the Gulf of Maine is required.
•Strong organizational skills for maintaining detailed records
•Good communication skills and ability to work well with students, faculty and other staff members in an isolated environment.
•Strong knowledge of computer skills; proven organization skills; attention to detail along with experience managing multiple tasks.
•Red Cross Lifeguard Certification or ability to obtain

Preferred Qualifications

• Positive energy and demonstrated leadership experience.
• Active status AAUS scientific diver with cold water experience.
• Experience with marine animal collection, husbandry, and dissections.
• Demonstrated problem solving ability
• Experience with shipboard CTD, niskin, neuston, bongo, secchi, dredge, trawl, longlining, and ROV deployments.
• Experience with plankton microscopy.

 

Physical Demands

• Must be able to work with as a team member with students, faculty and staff in an isolated and physically demanding environment involving long hours.
• Must be willing and able to assist with moving, packing, loading and unloading of supply runs both on Appledore and on the mainland.
• Must be able to lift and move more than 50 lbs.

Additional Job Information

Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) is a residential, teaching facility located on Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, Maine. The island field station is open seasonally from May-September, and supports students, faculty, visitors and staff in a close-knit, sustainable community.

Room and board are provided for island staff. All staff serve the island community as a team with each department working together to support SML’s programs. It is everyone’s responsibility to foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all.

Living and working on a remote island is a unique experience which requires that everyone pitch in to help, even when it is not part of their job description, or during their scheduled hours. This includes, but is not limited to helping clean up after meals, helping transport goods from the vessels to other locations on the island, operating as crew aboard vessels, and generally being supportive and helpful with other members of our community.

The University of New Hampshire is committed to providing a safe environment for all persons, including but not limited to children, and to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect and crimes against children. All UNH youth program staff shall be subject to a criminal background check as required by NH State Law. Staff and volunteers will also be required to complete periodic child safety training.