DNA Metabarcoding Technician - Fur Seal Diets

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission; Juneau (AK); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NA

Job summary

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a full-time Microbiology Technician 2 to support a DNA-based study of northern fur seal diets. The role involves DNA extraction from scat and fecal loop samples, PCR amplification, and library preparation for high-throughput sequencing, with emphasis on data quality and documentation.

The technician will collaborate with NMFS Auke Bay Lab and state partners to test cephalopod primers, generate reference sequences, and compare DNA

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience OR a year of graduate education directly related to the work.
• Experience in genetics laboratory techniques and DNA-based methods.
• Ability to implement contamination control and quality assurance procedures.

Responsibilities

• Process northern fur seal scat and fecal samples for DNA analysis.
• Prepare metabarcoding libraries for sequencing including PCR, indexing, and cleanup.
• Assist with primer testing and reference sequence generation for prey identification.
• Maintain sample inventories and metadata linked to sequencing data.
• Apply standard bioinformatics workflows for quality control and prey identifications.
• Document methods, results, and provide summaries to investigators.

Skills

Molecular biology

DNA extraction

PCR

Laboratory workflows

Windows software

Tools

Windows OS

Job description

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a full-time Microbiology Technician 2 to support a DNA-based study of northern fur seal diets. The role involves DNA extraction from scat and fecal loop samples, PCR amplification, and library preparation for high-throughput sequencing, with emphasis on data quality and documentation.

The technician will collaborate with NMFS Auke Bay Lab and state partners to test cephalopod primers, generate reference sequences, and compare DNA