- Maintain cultures of marine prasinophyte algae and bacterial prey, including media preparation and sterile technique.
- Set up, optimize, and monitor exponentially fed batch (EFB) continuous culture experiments, including characterizing growth phases of the study species.
- Coordinate experiment timing with visiting collaborators and help maintain backup cultures to ensure successful sampling campaigns.
- Conduct routine sampling of experiments and assist with sample analyses (e.g., flow cytometry, cell counts and biovolume, chlorophyll, nutrient, and radioisotope uptake measurements).
- Assist the postdoctoral researcher with processing and analyzing samples generated by the project.
- Assist the PI and postdoc with data management, record keeping, and general laboratory organization.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
- Knowledge of basic microbiology and cell biology laboratory practices, including sterile/aseptic technique.
- Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, including the safe handling of chemicals and, with training, radioisotopes.
- Skill in preparing culture media, reagents, and solutions accurately and reproducibly.
- Skill in operating laboratory instrumentation (e.g., flow cytometer, fluorometer, particle counter) following established protocols.
- Skill in maintaining detailed, well-organized records of experiments and samples in lab notebooks and shared digital files.
- Ability to follow detailed written protocols precisely and carry out repetitive procedures with a high level of attention to detail.
- Ability to organize and prioritize tasks across concurrently running cultures and experiments, and to adapt work schedules to experiment timelines.
- Ability to troubleshoot routine problems with cultures or instruments and communicate issues to the team promptly.
- Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with team members and collaborators at partner institutions, as well as independently after training.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Demands:
- Work is performed primarily in a research laboratory environment.
- Requires the ability to access and work throughout laboratory areas, which may include extended periods of standing and walking, and to perform repetitive laboratory procedures.
- Requires handling laboratory equipment, chemicals, biological materials, and, following required training, radioisotopes.
- Must adhere to established laboratory safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
