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Biologist - Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (IERP) Support
Ocean Associates
Customer Service
Arlington, VA, USA
USD 20-45 / hour
Posted on Apr 1, 2026
If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact Ocean Associates at 703-388-9548 to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.
Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking applicants to provide biological laboratory support for processing crab, fish, and zooplankton samples to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (IERP), Auke Bay Laboratories in Juneau, AK and Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, OR. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services, and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts. We are seeking applicants for this position prospectively, which is dependent on award of contract
Background
AFSC conducts fisheries oceanographic research in Alaska’s marine waters, including annual surveys in the Bering Sea. Collaborative research within AFSC and with external partners, as part of the Northern Bering Sea IERP, uses data and samples collected during these surveys to determine how environmental variation affects survival and recruitment of commercially important fish, including salmon and groundfish, and crab species.
These positions will aid NOAA biologists in processing samples in the laboratory and data from surveys to support ongoing fisheries oceanographic research. The tasks involve sample processing of crab, fish, and zooplankton including: sample collection, inventories, laboratory analyses, and data entry. This requirement involves sample processing in the laboratory and participation in ocean going surveys.
Tasks
The employees shall provide biological laboratory support for processing crab, fish, and zooplankton samples. Protocols for each type of laboratory procedure are provided and must be followed to ensure data comparable between years for long term data sets. Number of samples typically processed varies each year which is determined by the amount of research projects.
The employees shall:
- Inventory samples arriving at the laboratory
- Measure length and weight of organisms
- Removal of otoliths for fish
- Removal of tissue pieces for genetics
- Removal of tissue pieces for Isotopes
- Removal of fish stomachs and tissues for diet and energetic work
- Homogenize samples
In addition for Juneau, AK:
- Analyze fish with PARR Instrument Company semi-microbomb calorimeter for energy density
- Prepare samples for lipid analysis
- Prepare samples for isotope analysis
In addition for Newport, OR:
- Chemically extract marine samples for total lipidsAnalyze marine samples for total lipids and lipid classes using thin layer chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC_FID)
- Derivatize marine lipid samples into fatty acid methyl esters using acid catalyzed transesterification
- Analyze fatty acids in marine food web samples by integrating data from a gas chromatographer with flame ionization detection (GC_FID)
Start Date: Contingent upon award of contract
Location: Auke Bay Laboratories, Juneau, Alaska or Hatfield Marine Science Center - Newport, OR
Travel: Travel is anticipated. Departures and return dates will be finalized prior to travel and may vary. The current projected schedule is up to 2 overnight trips per summer to meet a survey vessel. Each trip to meet a vessel will likely occur from Juneau, AK to Dutch Harbor, Nome, or Barrow but could encompass other locations throughout Alaska. In addition, Newport, OR personnel will travel to support Auke Bay Labs in Juneau, AK for a 1 week-long trip each winter/spring to assist with sample processing.
Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $20.00 - $45.00 per hour.
Requirements
Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:
- Educational Background: None to Bachelor’s - preferably has completed college level course work in a field related to the requirements with emphasis in fisheries, oceanography, biology, or natural science.
- Experience: 0-3+ years - preferably one year of experience in both a biology and chemistry laboratory.
- Skills: Prefer demonstrated proficiency for the following skill sets:
- Experience on a research or commercial fishing boat.
- Experience processing larval or juvenile marine fish, including: identifying species at the larval and juvenile stages, measuring lengths and weights; dissecting and removing stomach contents; and dissecting otoliths, fins, and scales.
- Experience organizing field and laboratory data including performing quality control procedures on both raw and electronic.
If you are interested in being considered for this position, please APPLY THROUGH OUR ADP WEB PORTAL, AT THE LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT OF THIS PAGE.
Only qualified applicants that meet minimum experience or background requirements stated above need apply. When applying for this position you will be asked to upload your resume at the end of this online application.
Applicants should submit a resume that includes the following:
- Cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed.
- Work history for past 10 years or since last full-time education.
- Education.
- Previous experience or training with similar requirements.
- Three professional references.
- Include your name in the document file name.
- Upload your resume in readable, not scanned, PDF or Word format (PDF is preferred).
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check. OAI does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law.
OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to voluntarily self-identify their disability status and veteran status. OAI's online application includes check boxes to either voluntarily self identify or decline to self identify. While the information is collected through your application, it is collected anonymously and is not connected to your application. OAI uses the information it collects to track its disability and veteran hiring progress, and to meet its obligations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and under VEVRAA.
Note: If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work, we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you, please let us know in the "Notes" section on the second page of the online application.