Running Tide is an ocean technology company built to tackle humanity’s most urgent challenge: climate change. We build cutting-edge solutions that integrate engineered and biological systems to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, restore ecosystems, and secure food systems. Our multidisciplinary team of world-class scientists, engineers and maritime operators is working as fast as possible while the world is burning.
The Algae Technician will play an important role in the daily care of all microalgae species. A suitable candidate will contribute to all aspects of feeding and caring for algae across bag and K-tube systems, which will include monitoring, counting, inspection under a microscope, transfers, and data analysis. The Algae Technician will ensure that algae cultures consistently have a clean and productive environment in order to achieve optimal growth and quality standards.
You Will:
- Perform duties accurately and according to protocols, providing optimal care to the algae independently and with minimal supervision, once trained.
- Monitor algae culture vessels from start to finish; assist in fabrication, setup, inoculation, harvesting, teardown, and cleaning of components.
- Prepare media, monitor cultures, maintain axenicity, and take samples
- Routinely clean culture systems (tanks, plumbing, pumps, etc)
- Consistently monitor system water quality and perform routine water quality tests
- Maintain daily records of care activities and observations, noting patterns and changes.
- Inspect algae material using a dissecting and/or compound microscope.
- Assist with and maintain inventory of equipment and supplies.
- Daily administering and monitoring of algae production and feedings, monitoring appropriate cell counts in shellfish culture tanks
- Perform other duties as needed or directed by the supervisor.
You Are (or You Have):
- A degree in marine phycology, marine biology/ecology, aquaculture, aquatic chemistry, or another related field
- Able to work well independently, and as part of a team
- Self-motivated and well organized
- Good time management skills and multi-tasking abilities
- A general knowledge of aquaculture
- Able to complete repetitive tasks with a consistent level of efficiency/quality
- Good communication and data collection/management skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft office programs and Google Suite (Excel, Google docs, etc)
- At least 1 year prior experience in a microalgal production facility or shellfish aquaculture facility where algae culture is a critical component of operations
Physical and Other Requirements
- Ability to work at least 40 hours per week; including occasional weekends and holidays
- Ability to stand for extended periods, both inside an air-conditioned indoor lab with concrete floors and outside on on uneven surfaces.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to perform fine manipulations with hands and fingers.
- Ability to use simple arithmetic skills in performing duties.
- Ability or willingness to learn to utilize laboratory equipment and work in a sterile environment.
- Ability to work with and around chemicals such as bleach and acid, following all safety guidelines
This position also requires a flexible work schedule that sometimes varies in the number of hours worked in a day, or in which the stop and start times in a day may vary. This may include working at any hour of the day (in the case of water quality/mechanical emergency), and workdays in excess of eight hours. The employee must also be able to work weekends on a rotating schedule.