Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed from 15 February 2021 onwards, open until filled.
Time Commitment: Full-Time, fixed-term (approximately 18 months), pending performance.

This research technician position at the John G. Shedd Aquarium will support the coral conservation research program led by Dr. Ross Cunning, and the specific objectives of a multi-institution National Science Foundation grant investigating the genomic basis of coral heat tolerance and evolutionary potential under climate change. The technician will provide support for all aspects of the research including field expeditions on Shedd’s research vessel, molecular genetic analysis of coral samples, data analysis and manuscript preparation, and science communication and outreach. The technician will oversee the design and construction of research equipment (Coral Bleaching Automated Stress Systems), which will also involve an educational partnership with Shedd’s Teen Learning Lab. The technician will also perform general lab management and administrative tasks. In addition, the technician will have the opportunity to carry out an independent research project that aligns with the coral research program objectives.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values
• Willingness to interact and engage with diverse internal and external audiences remotely or in-person, including Shedd’s Teen Learning Lab
• Build custom electronics and Coral Bleaching Automated Stress Systems (training provided)
• Participate in international scientific research expeditions on Shedd’s R/V Coral Reef II
• Perform DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing in Shedd’s molecular and microbial ecology laboratory (training provided)
• Keep detailed records of all laboratory work and data generated
• Use the R programming language to analyze data (training provided)
• Generate scientific presentations and reports describing research outcomes
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree with a focus in biology, ecology, engineering, mathematics, or related field

Experience and Skills:

• Eagerness to learn and develop new skills in diverse fields
• Highly motivated, able to work independently, and be a self-starter
• Desire to conduct independent research
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, ability to multitask, and be deadline-oriented
• Excellent writing, editing, verbal, and communication skills
• Passion for science communication, education, and outreach
• Ability to travel internationally (i.e. valid passport)

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience carrying out independent scientific research
• Previous experience in a molecular biology laboratory (pipetting, PCR, etc.)
• Previous experience working with electronics and computer programming
• SCUBA certification

To Apply:

• Please submit a full application, attaching a curriculum vitae and a cover letter (maximum length 1000 words) summarizing your background, your interest in this position, and your research experience and/or interests. Please specifically address your experience and/or interest in the duties/responsibilities listed above, and how this position may help advance your professional and career goals.

To formally apply, please send all the above requested information to Human Resources by clicking the ‘Apply for this Job’ button.  If you have questions regarding the application, please email jobs@sheddaquarium.org.

To discuss the specifics of this position contact Dr. Ross Cunning (rcunning@sheddaquarium.org).

About the Employer:

In the mid-1920’s, John G. Shedd, a successful Chicago businessman, wanted to give back to the city in which he had risen from a stock boy to president of Marshall Field & Company, a leading department store chain. Because every great city in the United States and Europe had a fine aquarium, he decided that Chicago should have the biggest. The new Shedd combined the best of early 20th-century “age of aquariums” characteristics — a diverse, global animal collection surrounded by eye-popping architecture — with advances in animal care, environments, and interpretation.

A nonprofit organization dedicated to animal care and welfare, conservation research and public education, Shedd is known today as “The World’s Aquarium.” Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, Shedd is home to nearly 32,000 aquatic animals representing more than 1,500 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the world.

A vital learning resource, scientific contributor and conservation champion, the Aquarium each year welcomes approximately 2 million guests including a quarter-million students from elementary and secondary schools. Shedd is one of the most-attended aquariums in the United States, and is the top-attended paid cultural institution in Chicago. It continues to be a popular family destination for tourists and a powerful source of economic activity for the city.

Of its annual visitors, approximately 40 percent reside in the greater Chicago area, another 48 percent come from the rest of the U.S., and 12 percent represent international visitors. Shedd runs an annual budget of $55 million, including a payroll of $19 million covering 268 full-time employees and 227 part-time and temporary employees. In 2014, Shedd’s economic impact through employment, tourism and local spending exceeded $100 million.

Conservation Science and Research. The biologists and conservation scientists in Shedd’s Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research perform field work in both the Great Lakes and Caribbean regions.  As responsible stewards of the animals in its care, Shedd is committed to conserving species and ecosystems through research that increases knowledge, informs policy, enhances livelihoods and inspires public visitors to become environmental champions.

 

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).