Echinoderm Mariculture Assistant
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Overview
The Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine (CMBB) consists of research laboratories in the fields of cell and developmental biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, marine natural products, microbiology, and physiology of marine organisms. Cell and developmental biology: algal biofuels, biochemistry of fertilization and embryogenesis of sea urchins, developmental genetics of amphioxus (Branchiostoma), evolution of developmental patterning, functional genomics, how embryos sense and defend against environmental stressors, innate immunity in teleosts. Evolution Biology and Ecology: evolutionary genetics, genetic structure of invertebrate populations and speciation, invertebrate and fish taxonomy and biogeography, evolution and paleobiology of colonial life, microbial ecology and community structure, phytoplankton ecology, coral reef ecology, evolution and development (EvoDevo), conservation biology. Microbiology: ecology of marine viruses, bacteria, and phytoplankton, and the roles these organisms play in marine food webs and biogeochemical cycles, microbial symbioses with marine invertebrates, new compounds from cyanobacteria, microbial adaptations to pressure and temperature extremes and other environmental stresses in the marine environment, geomicrobiology, bacteria, and bioremediation. Physiology: respiration and energy metabolism, biomechanics and locomotion, sensory biology and bioluminescence, response to osmotic stress (ion transport and acid/base regulation), epithelial physiology, mitochondrial function, physiology of hydrothermal vent community animals.
Position Description
Under general supervision, assist with the generation, husbandry, and screening of echinoderm lines, including transgenic, knockout, inbred, and wild-type animals. Support the Hamdoun Lab’s mission to transform marine invertebrate research from reliance on wild-caught animals to fully lab-grown, genetically tractable models. Perform and optimize daily mariculture duties such as feeding, cleaning, monitoring water quality, and conduct health and environmental checks, as well as maintaining accurate records using both electronic and physical tools. Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs of recirculating and transgenic systems, providing regular updates on system performance, animal health, and key production metrics, and assist with animal shipping while ensuring compliance with campus and state mariculture regulations. Work closely with the lab manager, Hamdoun Lab members, and SIO experimental aquarium staff to implement robust schedules and backup systems, ensuring rapid response to alarms and system emergencies.
Qualifications
Graduation from high school and two (2) years of laboratory experience or two (2) years of college, including courses in the natural, physical, or social sciences and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of sea urchin biology, life cycle, and mariculture techniques. Experience in daily animal husbandry (feeding, cleaning, health checks) for marine invertebrates. Experience with safe handling of aquatic animals, including basic health observation and reporting abnormalities. Proficiency in using laboratory equipment relevant to marine organism culture (e.g., seawater systems, incubators, filtration systems). Understanding of genetic line maintenance, including transgenic, knockout, or inbred line tracking. Basic skills in monitoring water quality parameters (e.g., temperature, salinity, pH) using standard instruments or test kits. Ability to accurately record daily observations, water quality data, and husbandry activities. Data entry and digital record keeping experience (e.g., spreadsheets, online logs, lab databases). Ability to follow standard operating procedures and adhere to lab safety and animal welfare guidelines. Strong record-keeping and organizational skills for tracking animal lines and daily tasks. Understanding of laboratory procedures and willingness to learn new techniques. Effective written and verbal communication skills to report status and issues to research staff. Dependable, punctual, and capable of maintaining a consistent work schedule. Ability to interact effectively, using tact and diplomacy, with diverse personalities, including academics, staff, student employees, and outside vendors.