Microplastics Laboratory Assistant

Would you like to join the multidisciplinary team of Archipelagos Institute to promote applied field research and conservation in the Aegean Sea, Greece?

We are looking for a dedicated and proactive person with Biological or Environmental background and laboratory experience, but also good communication/organization skills, to assist the work of our Laboratory team to pursue Archipelagos conservation goals.

Archipelagos conservation projects are multidisciplinary with the participation of different research teams, therefore the successful candidate must be a strong team player able to focus on the common goal of the project and its conservation outcome. The Laboratory Research Assistant will work closely with the Team leader to ensure that tasks and projects assigned to the Laboratory Team run smoothly following safety standards. This is a key role to act as a coach to Archipelagos interns to get experience in fieldwork and data collection methodologies.

This position will also support the Operations Manager on the day-to-day operation at the bases.

The role would be perfect for someone looking for a challenging opportunity to gain scientific fieldwork and laboratory experience to continue developing their career in the field of Marine, Biological Science and Environmental conservation.

Duties and responsibilities

• Support on Research team supervisor on:
  • Direct supervision of Intern’s work in microplastics analysis in the laboratory and sample collection
  • Giving scientific writing feedback.
  • Coordination of lab/field work activities.
  • Coach interns to improve their laboratory and scientific skills.
  • Conduct Induction/Welcome briefings to new interns.
  • Contribute to the general base operation.

Required skills:

• BSc Degree in the field of ecological, environmental, and/or marine sciences.
• Previous experience in microplastics/laboratory analysis and protocols.
• Experience managing and training students and/or volunteers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions.
• Ability to write scientific reports and papers.
• Fluency in English.
• Fluency in Greek ( desired).
• Excellent computer skills.
• Some knowledge of statistical analysis and R Studio.
• Sincere interest in issues related to the protection of the environment.
• Willingness to occasionally work during weekends and holidays.

Benefits:  Accommodation, full board, and flights  (This is an unpaid position, but can be later extended to also include financial compensation.)

About Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation:

Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to researching and defending the biodiversity of the Greek seas and islands, as well as the entire eastern Mediterranean.

Since its creation in 1998, Archipelagos has been focusing on the combination of multidisciplinary scientific research and efficient conservation work in which local communities play an active part.

This strategic cooperation enables and strengthens Archipelagos’ actions at local, national and European level, allowing it to protect aquatic and terrestrial life against ever-increasing human destructive activities.

About our Microplastics Laboratory Team:

One of Archipelagos’ primary goals since its establishment has been to create the first non-governmental, non-profit, independent laboratory in Greece. Archipelagos’ lab can assess potential sources of pollution that may be harmful to marine and terrestrial ecosystems, which can also impact public health.

The goal of Archipelagos’ Microplastics Lab Team is to identify the primary sources of microplastics in the Aegean and to quantify the extent of their contamination.

In our laboratories, we investigate the abundance of microplastics from different sources including water, sediment, Posidonia oceanica seagrass, sea urchins, wild and farmed fish and marine fauna, but also we collect data coming from macroplastic during our campaign of beaches cleaning activities in Lipsi and Samos in order to gather the information and increase the knowledge about the potential microplastics spatial distribution and biomagnification in the trophic net, from the sources to the plankton and all the way to humans.

Furthermore, in order to actively support the environment, Archipelagos promotes the installation of Water Desalination Systems stations in different islands to avoid the exaggerated use of plastic bottles in the Greek islands, and the lab is involved in water quality analysis to confirm the safe use of this water as drink water.

About the location:

Archipelagos Bases are located on the islands of Samos and Lipsi, in the heart of the Eastern Aegean Sea. The Aegean Sea is one of the most important marine biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean, with some of the most extensive and pristine ecosystems, hosting populations of keystone species. Far away from mass tourism, these remote Aegean islands offer the most authentic  Greek lifestyle with welcoming local communities, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes.

Find out more about our bases at:

https://archipelago.gr/en/about-us/research-bases/

How to Apply

Please submit an up-to-date resume, two references, and one-page cover letter expressing your interest to info@archipelago.gr as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and positions will remain open until filled.

Please mention ConservationJobs.co.uk when applying for this job!