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Research Technician

San Jose State University Research Foundation
$25.00-$27.00 per hour - Hourly, Benefited
retirement plan
United States, California, Moss Landing
Jul 07, 2025
OUR STATEMENT The San Jose State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value. GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION The primary purpose of this position is to provide technical and logistical support in carrying out research objectives related to the restoration of bull kelp forests in northern California. With direction from the principal investigator and other members of the project team, the research technician will assist in carrying out the objectives of the funded research projects, including a supervisory role with student assistants. The candidate will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the daily research tasks including managing and maintaining kelp cultures and the production of bull kelp throughout its life cycle for multiple restoration activities, the development and fabrication of novel technologies and tools to aid restoration efforts and conduct field work including using SCUBA and boats to outplant cultured kelp and to monitor the success of restoration efforts. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Lead technical support on bull kelp restoration projects Oversee the lab and field work related to bull kelp restoration. Travel to northern California to lead underwater field work for kelp restoration (~12 weeks in the field during the summer months). Identify issues and problem-solve independently and collaboratively. Develop protocols for maintaining kelp cultures in the lab and field outplanting for restoration. Provide training for students and assistants. Provide support and consultation with kelp restoration partners. Oversee data collection for project experiments and restoration activities. Assist in project coordination Manage project timelines to ensure work gets completed in a timely fashion. Provide timely, professional response to internal and external communication with project collaborators and participants. Make purchases and file requisitions in a timely manner. Plan logistics for field work, including vehicles, boats, diving. Assist with submissions of scientific collection permits. Assist with project reporting Report on progress of projects to PI and other external partners. Assist in writing reports and scientific publications. Present findings in oral and poster format on projects at conferences and meetings. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned. INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS Reports to project director. Will coordinate work assigned to research assistants, communicate with research partners about specific aspects of funded projects, present research findings at meetings and symposia, and answer questions from the public about the research program. Will also frequently interact with the staff of Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, including research assistants and technicians, administrative support people, partners from other agencies and institutions (The Nature Conservancy, Sonoma State University, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, etc.), and with outside vendors. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Responsible for providing guidance and direction to research assistants and technicians. QUALIFICATIONS 1) Education and Experience Master's degree in Marine Biology required. Hands-on experience in aquaculture, seaweed culturing, underwater field work, and experimentation required. Minimum 1 year experience in seaweed aquaculture. 1 year supervisory experience is desired. 2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required Strong knowledge of seawater systems, animal care, and aquaculture practice. Experience culturing kelps throughout the full life cycle. AAUS scientific diving certification and a minimum of 100 logged cold water dives. Experience trailering, launching, and piloting small boats up to 20 ft in length, including whalers and inflatables Ability to identify potential issues and problem solve independently or communicate effectively to address problems related to husbandry, culture systems, and field outplanting of kelp. Leadership and managerial skills. Plumbing, fabrication, and electrical work. Microscopy skills. Knowledge of Windows and Macintosh operating systems and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to positively and productively interact with staff, co-workers, volunteers, other scientific programs and the public. Ability to interact using tact and diplomacy with diverse personalities including academic, staff, student and volunteer employees and institutions/organizations. Ability to multi-task and organize, prioritize tasks, manage time and meet deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively (oral, written, and presentation skills). Ability to work independently and also as a collaborator with a team of scientists. 3) Physical Requirements Frequent walking, standing, bending. Frequent lifting up to 50 pounds, with or without aids. Occasional pushing and pulling. Ability to work long hours on your feet and outdoors. Fit for outdoor field work, including boating and SCUBA diving. 4) Complexity of Duties This job requires a person to think and act independently, following general guidance from the project directors. Job requires a person with a high level of initiative and capability of conducting self-directed work while coordinating the work load amongst students, volunteers and technicians. NOTE: This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. BENEFITS The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes: Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage). Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents. Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities. 14 paid federal & state holidays. Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately. Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations. Employee discounts. Paid training and professional-development conferences. Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information. APPLICATION PROCEDURE To apply for this position, an applicant must submit a formal application for employment. Select "Apply Now" to complete the SJSURF online employment application. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information. ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San Jose State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization's funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities.