Marine Biologist The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is advertising 1 position for a Biologist to support a diverse range of activities within the Marine Invasions Research Laboratory, with primary focus on surveys of invertebrate communities in bays and estuaries of North America, especially California, and taxonomy of peracarid crustaceans. Job Objectives: Participate as part of a bicoastal research team focused on analysis of marine invertebrate communities in bays and estuaries of North America. Principal Duties: Assists in collection, identification, and analysis of marine invertebrates in bays and estuaries, particularly hard substrate (fouling) taxa. A strong emphasis will be on identification of peracarid crustaceans. Core responsibilities will include (1) participation in fieldbased surveys and collections of invertebrate communities, (2) sorting and identification to species level for organisms across a diverse taxonomic range, (3) specialization on identification and biogeography of peracarid crustaceans; (4) data management and preservation and curation of samples related to the above collections and specimens. Applicant must be willing and able to (a) travel for weeks at a time in the summer, (b) spend significant time working at the microscope in addition to field work, and (c) work well with a diverse group of researchers. Location: The position is based at the west coast section of SERC’s Marine Invasions Research Laboratory in Tiburon, California, at San Francisco State University’s Estuary & Ocean Science Center. The Marine Invasions Research Laboratory is a bicoastal laboratory headed by Gregory Ruiz and headquartered at SERC in Edgewater, Maryland, with a staff of approximately 40 biologists who conduct research nationally and internationally. For more information, see: https://serc.si.edu/labs/marine-invasions-research/ Education / Experience: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in ecology, marine biology or equivalent. Skills: Applicant must have strong background and knowledge in marine invertebrate zoology and knowledge or aptitude for species-level identification, especially for peracarid crustaceans and fouling invertebrates. Some training with taxonomic experts may be required, but the successful applicant should have some prior knowledge and experience with invertebrate taxonomy and microscopy. This position requires excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team are essential. Experience with design and statistical analysis of surveys and experiments, and strong writing abilities, are a plus. Annual Salary: $39,441–$48,856, depending on education and experience, plus a full package of paid leave and benefits. Duration: 1 year renewable, based upon satisfactory performance and availability of continued funding. Anticipated start date March 2018. To Apply: Please submit current resume as well as names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 3 professional references. Applications should be submitted via email to Laura Falsone ([email protected]) with subject line “Biologist Job Application”. Position is open until filled, and applications received before 25 January 2018 will receive first consideration. Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer
