TaraOceans is a 3 year international scientific expedition aboard the schooner "Tara", aiming to study the composition and dynamics of planktonic ecosystems and certain unexplored coral reefs around the globe. Several French and international laboratories are involved in TaraOceans, including the EMBL, EBI and MIT, and the CNRS which strongly supports the project. A wide-ranging program of communication, including audiovisual and multimedia productions, and educational outreach actions, is conducted in parallel to the scientific project.

The TaraOceans project is seeking an Onboard Biological Engineer who will ensure the smooth and efficient running and the continuity of the onboard scientific protocol, as well as being responsible for onboard sampling logistics, including tracking of samples and inventories of chemicals and consumables. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with two land-based engineers responsible for preparatory and follow-up logistical organization (orders, shipment of material to/from the boat, transfer of biological samples to partner laboratories, etc…).

Mission: Under the responsibility of the expedition leader and in collaboration with the captain and onboard researchers, the candidate will:

• have a thorough knowledge of the morpho-genetic sampling protocol of TaraOceans (sampling for DNA, RNA, and whole organisms from different planktonic size-fractions, from viruses to zooplankton), and undertake parts of the sampling protocol when required (as a function of the scientific personnel onboard at any given time).
• prepare and organize the scientific material necessary for biological sampling at each station.
• organize onboard storage of morpho-genetic samples.
• organize onboard storage and inventory of scientific equipment, consumables and chemicals.
• participate in preparatory meetings at different partner institutes.
• ensure that researchers are aware of, and strictly follow, rules and codes of conduct aboard the Tara.
• participate in writing of station and mission reports.
• coordinate biological measurements with 'Operational Oceanography' data acquired by the Oceanographic Engineer.

Skills needed: A doctorate in Biological Sciences, extensive experience of work in a molecular and cellular biology laboratory and of laboratory management. Participation in several oceanographic missions and/or experience of open ocean sailing. The candidate should not be susceptible to sea sickness and should be capable of resisting physically and mentally difficult situations.

The candidate will be chosen for his/her capacities in:

• Molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Structuring, planning and following the different phases of an experiment.
• Organizing a laboratory.
• Managing stocks and data.
• Navigation and/or biological oceanography and familiarity with the marine environment.

The candidate should be in good physical and mental form, and be capable of communicating fluently in English (spoken and written).

Experience required: 2 to 5 years
Level of qualification: Doctoral qualification in Biology or equivalent technical training
Length of contract: 1 Year, renewable over a 3 years period
Type of contract: Full-time, 2-3 month periods onboard alternating with 1.5 month periods at the Roscoff Biological Station, France.

Please send a CV and contact
info from 3 referees to:
Colomban de Vargas:
vargas@sb-roscoff.fr