Job Description Summary
The Specialized Trade Instrument Technician will support a temporary project to design construct and configure a custom recirculating seawater system for the care of invertebrate animals in the Hashinger Science Center (Room 14) under the direction of Professor Bill Wright. The technician will be responsible for all stages of system development including custom design structural fabrication component installation plumbing and electrical setup and post-construction system cycling and testing to ensure suitability for animal care.
Responsibilities
System Design and Planning Design a custom recirculating seawater system based on biological research needs and space constraints. Develop schematics and layout plans including tank sizing water flow configuration and materials selection. Consult with PI and lab team to integrate functional and experimental requirements. Fabrication and Construction Construct metal framing and custom plastic tanks. Install all plumbing and mechanical components including pumps filters valves sump tanks and associated piping. Install heating and cooling elements with appropriate control systems. System Configuration and Testing Conduct chemical cycling of system to establish appropriate water quality parameters (nitrogen cycling pH salinity etc.). Optimize temperature and water quality stability for long-term animal care. Troubleshoot and refine system performance. Collaboration and Documentation Work collaboratively with PI postdoctoral researchers and undergraduate assistants. Maintain project documentation including design specs installation notes and system operation guides. Provide training or guidance on system operation if needed. Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
Proven experience designing and constructing recirculating seawater systems or similar aquatic systems. Experience with plumbing systems mechanical components (e.g. pumps filters) and temperature regulation equipment. Machining and fabrication skills; ability to work with metal plastic and custom structural materials. Ability to read and interpret design schematics or produce technical drawings for system builds. Familiarity with chemical cycling (e.g. nitrogen cycle) and optimization of water quality for invertebrate animal care. Strong collaboration and communication skills; ability to work effectively with faculty postdocs and students. Strong safety awareness and ability to maintain safe working conditions in a laboratory setting.
Required Experience:
IC