JHT, a government contractor, is hiring a Marine Biological Lab Technician to support NOAA's Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research Laboratory in Charleston, SC. This position will serve as a member of the NOAA Harmful Algal Blooms and Analytical Response Division / Marine Biotoxins Program. The position is in a dynamic research laboratory and involves developing/validating methods for detecting harmful marine algae and the biotoxins they produce. Tasks will primarily involve application of DNA and antibody probes in sensor-based instrumentation in a laboratory setting, with occasional field work possible. Work will also include maintaining laboratory cultures of algae and responsibility for sample preparation.

Key duties/responsibilities include:

• Development of various toxin detection methods utilizing antibody probes
• Maintenance and operation of protein spotting instrumentation
• Extraction of marine algae, seawater and other biological material
• Detection of marine toxins by bioassay and other methods
• Maintain accurate detailed records of samples, supplies, extractions, analyses and results
• General laboratory maintenance, including analytical instruments and equipment

Requirements:

• Requires BS degree in Biology, Marine Biology/Marine Science, or Chemistry (or Associates degree with 7 years related experience).
• Strong organizational skills and be highly motivated.
• Willingness/ability to work independently on multiple tasks.
• Experience utilizing immunological and/or molecular-based techniques a plus.
• Previous laboratory experience in biochemical or chemical techniques is highly desirable.
• Ability to work with a high degree of precision using laboratory equipment.
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to report on the progress of assigned projects in a timely manne.r
• Flexibility in responding to changing priorities for multiple projects.
• Familiarity with word-processing and spreadsheet computer software (MS Word, Excel).
• Limited travel.
• Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must be eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship will not be provided.

Salary is $17.00/hr. plus benefits. Email resumes@jht.com for consideration. Please include the following information on the resume: Major, cumulative GPA, description of any research experience, career goals, and names/contact information for three references.

This Job Announcement was posted on the Estuarine Research Federation Web Site on 5/15/2008
The full URL is http://erf.org/jobs/2008_5_14_133631.html