Salish Sea Research Center Research Assistant (Full-time)

Job Announcement

Salish Sea Research Center Research Assistant

(Full-time, 12 months)

Opening Date:           May 3, 2022

Review Date:             Extended to May 31, 2022

Closing Date:             Open until filled

Start Date:                 As soon as possible upon acceptance

Location:                    Lummi Main Campus

Salary:                        $17.00 to $18.50 per hour

The salary placement upon hire is based on the selected candidate's education and relevant work experience as outlined in the job announcement and the established salary schedule for the classification of position to be filled.

SCOPE OF WORK

Northwest Indian College invites applicants for a full-time postdoctoral research position on Lummi campus at the Salish Sea Research Center (SSRC). The SSRC is a 4,200 sq. ft. research center with a variety of equipment and instruments, including an Agilent LC-MS/MS and two research vessels. The SSRC works with our tribal partners to focus on community-identified research and increase the presence and influence of Native American leadership in the area of marine sciences. The SSRC provides the facility for world-class research, and its mission complements and enhances the efforts of research at Northwest Indian College.

The Salish Sea Research Center seeks an energetic individual to assist in studies of water quality and harmful algae in the Salish Sea surrounding freshwater watersheds. We work on marine issues related to the Salish Sea that affect the Indigenous communities in the area. The Salish Sea has a history of harmful algae events, and the SSRC monitors for harmful algae and biotoxins of both freshwater and marine systems through microscopy, genomics, and chemical analyses. The successful candidate will assist with community-identified projects to monitor for water quality, harmful algae, and biotoxins. This position includes both fieldwork and lab work and will include biotoxin preparation, microscopy, and basic water quality measurements.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Duties

The research assistant will work directly with lab members and visiting researchers at the Salish Sea Research Center on projects related to water quality in the Salish Sea and surrounding watersheds. The research assistant duties will include:

• Analysis preparation of marine and/or freshwater biotoxins;
• Microscopy identification of algal species;
• Multidisciplinary team projects;
• Field sampling related to water quality;
• Community engagement events; and
• Any other duties as assigned

Work Environment

The work environment for this position is split between the laboratory and outdoor field sampling. Outdoor work could involve exposure to moderate levels of heat cold, and humidity or rain. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED to perform this position successfully:

Minimum Qualifications:

• S. or B.A. in Environmental Sciences or related field
• Experience following SOPs and laboratory protocols
• Experience with basic laboratory and field techniques
• Data entry experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• S. in Native Environnemental Sciences
• Experience with water quality laboratory and field protocols
• Experience with SPATT, HOBOs, YSIs, net-tows, and water filtering
• Microscopy and/or algal culturing experience
• Experience sampling from multiple platforms, including small boats, docks, and/or riverbanks
• Experience with tribal communities.
• Basic understanding of harmful algal blooms and/or biotoxins

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested individuals should submit the following application materials directly to the NWIC Human Resources Office only.

1. Cover letter addressing how you meet the position qualifications
2. NWIC Application
3. NWIC Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) form
4. Current and complete professional resume
5. Copies of college transcripts (can submit unofficial copies at time of application)
6. Three letters of recommendation from persons, who are not members of your immediate family, who have firsthand knowledge of your qualifications for the position
7. If applicable to the position, provide copies of certificates/licenses/credentials

The job announcement and application forms are

available online at www.nwic.edu/about-nwic/employment

or may be requested from and submitted directly to:

Human Resources

Northwest Indian College

2522 Kwina Road

Bellingham, WA 98226-9278

Telephone/Fax:  360.392.4230

Email:  employment@nwic.edu