TITLE: Freshwater Lab Technician (Part-Time/Temp)
DEPARTMENT: Conservation Research
REPORTS TO: Research Biologist
STATUS: Part-Time, Non-Exempt 
DURATION: 5 Months
PAY RATE: $20.00/hr.
LOCATION: Onsite - Chicago, IL.
 
POSITION OVERVIEW:   

Join the Urban Freshwaters research program at Shedd Aquarium and help investigate how aquatic communities respond to environmental conditions across the Chicago River system. Our research focuses on understanding how habitat quality, water quality, restoration activities, and urban infrastructure influence biodiversity in one of the country’s most heavily engineered river systems.

We are seeking a technician who is excited by the process of discovering patterns in aquatic ecosystems through hands-on laboratory work. The primary focus of this role will involve identifying, sorting, and counting aquatic macroinvertebrates, zooplankton, and larval fishes under a microscope, then connecting those community patterns to differences in habitat and environmental conditions among sites. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys careful organism identification, recognizes the ecological stories hidden within biological samples, and is motivated to understand why one location might support a different aquatic community than another.

Leveraging the samples on-hand, the technician will focus their efforts towards an independent research project, identified by their own interests and in collaboration with the Shedd Research Biologists. The project will culminate in a presentation to an internal audience at the end of the appointment.

In addition to aquatic community analyses, the technician may assist with fish diet studies by identifying prey items from fish stomach contents to compare feeding patterns among species and locations. While the position is primarily laboratory-based, there will also be opportunities to participate in fieldwork, including visiting study sites, assisting with sampling efforts, and maintaining research equipment. Field activities will generally make up a small portion of the overall role.

Applications should include a cover letter describing experiences relevant to the duties below and explaining how this position aligns with the applicant’s academic or career goals.

TIME COMMITMENT:

This is an onsite part-time (minimum of 16 but up to 40 hours per week), temporary position (Maximum of 500 hours). Start and end dates are flexible but starting in late-August or September is preferred. Work is expected to be conducted during normal business hours (for example between 8am and 5pm) at Shedd’s Conservation Research Lab. Duration of position is dependent on technician’s weekly schedule and dictated by the maximum hours allowed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.   

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.
• Isolate, enumerate, and identify zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, and larval fish using dissecting microscopes
• Use taxonomic keys to identify organisms, generally to the family level.
• Assist with analyses of fish stomach contents to compare diets among species and habitats.
• Maintain organized and detailed records of samples, observations, and laboratory procedures.
• Develop and complete a research project under the guidance of Shedd Research experts.
• Participate in occasional field work, including habitat surveys, sample collection, and equipment maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily conduct each essential duty listed above. Please describe relevant experiences in your application. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education: Have at least a high school diploma or GED.

Experience:   

• 1+ years of experience in aquatic ecology, biodiversity, or freshwater ecosystems either through employment or coursework.
• Enthusiasm for microscope-based laboratory work and organism identification.
• Curiosity about how environmental conditions influence biological communities.
• Ability to carefully sort, count, and identify organisms for extended periods of time.
• Familiarity with microscopes and/or taxonomic identification keys.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when recording observations and sample data.
• Critical thinking skills and willingness to take ownership of an independent research project.
• Interest in connecting field observations with laboratory findings to better understand urban ecosystems.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. 

• Accrued Paid Time Off
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program
• Employee discounts
• Employee Tickets 

Reasonable Accommodations: 
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org. 

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.