Assistant Biologist

Smithers Environmental Risk Sciences division is seeking an Assistant Biologist in the Ecotoxicology Department at our Wareham, MA location.

Often, duties include recording instrument and apparatus readings, making observations of various biological effects in exposures and compiling study data books. Incumbent will be introduced to mathematical and statistical procedures used to reduce and analyze study data.  Responsible for maintaining cleanliness of the labs, storage and culture areas including maintenance and calibration of equipment used in any of these settings. May require routine involvement in seawater and/or sediment collection. Assignments are completed with minimal supervision.  Assists with organization, direction and training of technicians. Assists in coordinating internal requirements for testing (i.e. chemistry support, Quality Assurance, reporting). Employee is responsible for understanding and adhering to all safety and Good Laboratory Practice regulations and company policies.

A. Job Duties

Essential Functions

1. Must be able to work with balances, meters, pumps, stir plates, funnels, pipets, burets, heating plates, fume hoods and other standard laboratory equipment.

2. Must be able to use pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, calculators, grinding wheel and other standard mechanical tools.

3. Must be able to execute various glassware cleaning procedures used by the laboratory.

4.Must be able to work with environmental samples such as soils, plant tissue, animal tissues, water and sediment.  Once trained, must be able to culture test species and aid in testing.

5. Must be able to work with test compounds (including radiolabeled materials), reference toxicants, solvents, detergents, acids, bases, resins, silicones and activated carbon. 

6. Must be able to perform calculations for dosing procedures.

7. Become familiar with process of identifying and solving problems with physical test systems.

8. Must be able to keep detailed, organized records and complete required documentation for the associated tests, in "real time." 

9. Will be introduced and must become familiar with use of spreadsheets and statistical software. 

10. Must understand and execute appropriate disposal of liquid and solid wastes.

11. Additional duties as assigned.

Marginal Functions

1.Be able to use a photocopy machine.

2.Data entry on a computer.

3. Be able to perform duties with respirator on an as-needed basis.

4. Be able to work more than 8 hours per day, as needed, as well as on weekend days if required.

Physical Functions

Sitting - 20%

Standing - 80%

Walking - 50%

Writing - 25%

Visual - 100%

B. Chemical Safety

1. Must be able to comprehend the potential hazards of the chemicals in use and adhere to the proper safety techniques as dictated by the Safety Manual and/or Management.

C. Laboratory Safety

1. Must be able to wear gloves, lab coat, eye protection, sleeves, hearing protection, pesticide suit, plastic booties, dust masks, a respirator and a face mask.

2. Must be able to understand and follow laboratory safety standards.

Job Specifications
B.S. degree in biology preferred or related field and 6 months of relevant laboratory experience in a college setting preferred. In lieu of a degree, 4-5 years of relevant experience in a laboratory setting preferred.

Pay Rate: $21/hour (non-exempt).  Relocation assistance is not provided for this role.

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