Post Baccalaureate Research Associate, Pritzker Marine Lab

This position will offer the opportunity to a recent NCF graduate to work in the marine science field, while gaining experience in aquarium husbandry, research laboratory techniques, and field/boating skills; setting a strong foundation for this individual to be ready to move onto a graduate program or a position in the field and thereby increasing NCF’s student placement success rate.

This is a full‑time position for 12 months.

The Pritzker Marine Biology Research Center Research Associate plays a vital role in the daily care and maintenance of the live animal collection, as well as the aquarium systems, research equipment, and laboratory facilities that support the Pritzker Marine Biology Research Center. Working under the direction of the Assistant Director, the position helps to ensure the health and welfare of marine organisms through husbandry tasks, quarantine procedures, and water quality monitoring.

The role also supports faculty, students, and staff by assisting with laboratory activities, student and faculty‑led research projects, and helping maintain an organized and functional lab environment. Additionally, this role contributes to the upkeep of research vessels, maintains inventories and logs, and performs a wide range of facility and equipment maintenance duties. This position plays a vital role in sustaining a safe, clean, and well‑functioning environment.

• Assist with daily feeding and husbandry routines for lab animal collections
• Provide weekend and holiday coverage for animal care and system monitoring as needed
• Maintain aquaria, life‑support systems, and living marine organisms
• Operate and maintain laboratory and aquarium filtration equipment
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory spaces, tools, and equipment

• Assist in mentoring student employees and volunteers working in the marine lab
• Assist students with research projects, experimental setup, and animal care
• Participate in ongoing research activities as appropriate

• Assist with daily care of marine animals, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring tank systems
• Conduct weekly water quality testing and maintain environmental parameters to ensure animal health
• Observe and record animal behaviors to monitor animal health and enrichment
• Participate in the setup and maintenance of aquaria, life support systems, and exhibit spaces
• Gain experience in caring for a variety of marine species while maintaining aquaria and developing skills in water quality management and life support system operations

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, marine biology or Zoology, preferably from NCF
• Previous experience with aquarium husbandry is desired but not required
• Knowledge of basic marine fish and invertebrate biology
• Experience working in a marine lab through classes and/or research
• Experience working with IACUC is desired, but not required
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Must be able to work independently or in a group setting. Must have the ability to complete tasks assigned with low to moderate supervision
• Must have clear communication with Pritzker staff, NCF faculty, Pritzker Lab Assistants, and NCF students working in the building
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Scuba certified