Genetics Technician

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide support services for laboratory and field work involved in collecting and processing samples and data, issuing associated reports, and to respond to marine mammal/turtle strandings on an as needed basis. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services, and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.

Background

The Marine Mammal & Turtle Division and Fisheries Resource Division of the NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) conducts research on marine mammals and sea turtles to monitor trends in abundance and provide management advice to domestic and international bodies. Scientists at SWFSC La Jolla Laboratory use molecular techniques to investigate population structure, foraging strategies, habitat use and movement patterns in marine turtles and mammals. Tissue samples from marine turtles and mammals encountered as by catch in Pacific and Atlantic fisheries, and samples collected from numerous foraging and nesting populations are routinely sent to the SWFSC for long-term archiving and molecular analysis using genetic techniques. Understanding population structure and habitat use of these animals is critical for developing effective management strategies for marine turtles and mammals, which is mandated by the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NMFS SWFSC is a leading facility for genetic analysis and hosts the necessary laboratory infrastructure to conduct the analyses required of this project.

In addition, SWFSC conducts field projects focusing on foraging green, loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the U.S. West coast. Data collection occurs via small boat and aerial platforms to gather biological and abundance data. These projects are critical to NMFS’s understanding of marine turtle distribution and habitat use along the coast.

Tasks

Key tasks include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

• Sample processing: Process tissue samples for use in marine turtle and marine mammal genetics projects. Processing includes, but is not limited to, curation of tissue and DNA samples for the molecular tissue archive; data entry and querying in MS Access; DNA extraction (eDNA, blood, tissue, fecal), quantification (spectroscopy, fluorometry), PCR, mtDNA sequencing (Sanger) and nuclear microsatellite DNA genotyping (genescan-based), NGS library preparations (including reduced representation, targeted amplicon based, whole genome); transferring, labeling, and long-term storage of samples and DNA.
• Molecular laboratory support: Provide core support for molecular laboratories including: preparation of reagents and autoclave; stocking lab with supplies and reagents; inventorying and preparing orders for molecular lab supplies; running and maintaining lab equipment; preparing biopsy kits for sample collection, etc.
• Participate in site specific informational meetings: Participate in periodic SWFSC, MMTD/FRD and program specific meetings with the Project Lead(s), NMFS staff, and Center leadership to exchange information and to stay informed.
• Fieldwork and stranding response: Participate in MMTD/FRD fieldwork, stranding response and necropsy sessions on an as needed basis including driving government vehicles when necessary to complete tasks.
• Editorial services: Provide editorial services (reviewing, editing (grammar, spelling, comprehension), and writing) including laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety guidance, manuscripts, and website content related to projects.
• Datasheet scanning and data entry: Scan historical field sample documents, organize digital data files, enter lab results and records into provided database, and prepare data summary spreadsheets.

Start Date: As soon as Possible

Location: Southwest Fisheries Science Center (8901 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037), occasional telework or in the field at locations TBD.

Travel: Travel is anticipated, see Tasks

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $29.00 - $33.00 per hour. Overtime IS anticipated

Requirements

Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:

• Bachelor's degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university with a major directly related in a field of study as related to the requirements with emphasis in fisheries, oceanography, social science, natural science, mathematics, or hydrology, plus three (3) years of experience in related field or combination of such totaling seven (7) years combined education and experience. Master’s Degree may be substituted for experience
• Demonstrated experience working in a molecular laboratory setting with a focus on genetic research including DNA extraction, quantification (spectroscopy, fluorometry), PCR and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequencing and genotyping for marine turtles.
• Experience with relational databases including data entry and querying.
• Experience curating tissue and DNA samples.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively in a team/group setting.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement appropriate action.

Additional preferred requirements:

• Experience with molecular laboratory equipment including: Qubit fluorometer, Agilent BioAnalyzer, BioRAD ddPCR machine, 3730 genetic analyzer, Illumina MiSeq, Oxford nanopore sequencer.
• Experience with molecular (sequence) data analysis using Genemapper and Geneious.
• Experience responding to sea turtle strandings and participating in necropsies.
• Experience participating in marine turtle field research, including collecting data and biological sampling during field efforts.