Field & Lab Genetics Technician

Ocean Associates, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 82,656,000 - 97,424,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Associates, Inc. is seeking a qualified candidate to join the Marine Mammal & Turtle Division under the NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, CA.

The role focuses on processing tissue samples, DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, and genotyping for marine turtles and mammals, with data management and field support as required. The position requires a bachelor's degree in a related field and at least three years of experience in a molecular laboratory setting, along with strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in fisheries, oceanography, natural sciences or related field with emphasis in relevant disciplines plus three years of related experience; Master’s may substitute for experience.
• Experience in molecular lab setting with genetic research including DNA extraction, quantification, PCR and sequencing for marine species.
• Experience with relational databases for data entry and querying.
• Experience curating tissue and DNA samples.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work independently or in teams.

Responsibilities

• Process tissue samples for molecular genetics projects including DNA extraction, quantification, and library preparation.
• Provide core molecular lab support: reagents prep, stocking, inventory, and equipment maintenance.
• Participate in meetings with project leaders and NMFS staff to exchange information.
• Engage in fieldwork, stranding response, and necropsy tasks as needed.
• Provide editorial services for SOPs, safety guidance, manuscripts, and website content.
• Scan historical field documents, organize digital data, enter lab results, and prepare data summaries.

Skills

Molecular lab experience

DNA extraction

PCR techniques

Genotyping

Data entry

MS Access

DNA quantification

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Qubit

BioAnalyzer

ddPCR

Illumina MiSeq

Geneious

Genemapper

Job description

Ocean Associates, Inc. is seeking a qualified candidate to join the Marine Mammal & Turtle Division under the NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, CA.

The role focuses on processing tissue samples, DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, and genotyping for marine turtles and mammals, with data management and field support as required. The position requires a bachelor's degree in a related field and at least three years of experience in a molecular laboratory setting, along with strong