Research Technician

Job Requisition:

JR101267 Research Technician (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Research Technician

Department:

CC00495 VIMS1 | RADV | Ecosystem Health

Job Family:

Staff - Lab & Research Support

Worker Sub Type:

Wage-Temporary (requires end date - non-benefited) (Fixed Term) (Fixed Term)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Primary Job Posting Location:

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Job Description Summary:

The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality.

The Shellfish Pathology Lab at the Batten School & VIMS provides important advisory service to the Commonwealth through the insight the lab generates on diseases in wild and aquacultured shellfish populations. These data serve fishery resource management, which has been the historical focus of the lab's activities, as well as aquaculture health management today. In addition to conducting its own research on shellfish health, the lab is an institutional resource providing histology services to the Batten School & VIMS community and supporting student and staff training in histology and diagnostic methods.

The Research Technician in the Shellfish Pathology Lab at the Batten School and VIMS will support all shellfish health diagnostic activities of the lab in support of VIMS advisory, research, and educational missions.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Assistance with shellfish processing in the lab.
• Performance of basic diagnostic assays for shellfish pathogens.
• Performance of basic histological processing of shellfish and other organisms.
• Support for field collections and other activities.
• Assistance with data entry and analyses and maintenance of lab records.

Job Description:

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Competencies:

• Familiarity with good laboratory practices

• Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines under direct supervision.

• Ability to follow written and oral directions.

• Ability to maintain records, record data legibly, and conduct data entry with a high degree of accuracy.

• Ability to successfully complete tasks in outdoor environment.​ ​

​

Experience:

• Experience working in a biology laboratory.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

 

Competencies:

• Knowledge of basic microscope function and molecular genetics.

• Demonstrated knowledge of sanitation techniques and laboratory & field work safety.

• Demonstrated knowledge of research and testing procedures and techniques.

• Ability to prepare samples and perform standard or routine lab testing.

• Demonstrated skills in operating and maintaining tools and equipment.

• Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines or under minimal supervision.

• Attention to detail in collection and entry of data.

• Ability to maintain records and record test results to a high degree of accuracy.

• Proficiency in a variety of software applications to include MS office with the ability to record data.

• Ability to successfully complete tasks in outdoor environment, as applicable.

 

Experience:

• Experience in a marine biology lab, especially with focus on pathology and parasitology.

 

Conditions of Employment: 

• Occasional travel to Virginia field sites and the Eastern Shore Lab, occasional after-hours work, occasional work in adverse weather.

• Able to lift 30 pounds.

• This position is a temporary (hourly) position not to exceed 6 months. All hourly employees are subject to the limitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program and total hours worked may not exceed on average 29 hours per week, over the course of twelve months beginning May 1 each year. 

• This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

• This is a term restricted position and is also subject to the continued availability of funding.

 

Salary- up to $18.00 per hour

Additional Job Description:

Job Profile:

JP0215 - Laboratory & Research Technician - Nonexempt - Hourly - H04

Qualifications:

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Compensation Grade:

H04

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-01-13

Review Date:

Position Restrictions:

EEO is the Law.  Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

 

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check. 

 

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.