Genetics (eDNA) Scientist

Omni Tax Solutions; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Paid federal holidays

Job summary

Orchard LLC is seeking a Genetics (eDNA) Scientist to support NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration. You will provide scientific expertise in environmental DNA, molecular ecology, and biodiversity assessment to inform ocean exploration and multidisciplinary research teams.

The role emphasizes data analysis, technical reporting, and collaboration with marine scientists, geoscientists, GIS specialists, and federal program managers to advance genomic approaches in ocean science.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Oceanography, Biological Sciences, or related discipline.
• Experience supporting scientific research involving biodiversity, molecular ecology, or environmental science.
• Knowledge of environmental DNA (eDNA), genomics, molecular biology, or biodiversity assessment.
• Experience supporting NOAA or marine science organizations.
• Experience with eDNA workflows, genomics, bioinformatics, or biological data analysis.
• Experience supporting interdisciplinary ocean exploration programs.
• Scientific publication or technical writing experience.
• Experience interpreting scientific datasets and preparing technical documentation.
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience using R or Python is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support environmental DNA (eDNA) and molecular ecology initiatives.
• Analyze biological and molecular datasets supporting marine biodiversity assessments.
• Support biological sampling and specimen documentation during ocean exploration activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Interpret genetic information supporting scientific assessments.
• Maintain scientific datasets, metadata, and documentation.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and scientific summaries.
• Support collaborations with academic institutions and federal research partners.
• Contribute to publications and technical deliverables.
• Remain current on emerging genomics and molecular ecology methodologies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Microsoft Office 365

Google Workspace

Adobe Acrobat

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Oceanography, Biological Sciences, or related discipline

Advanced degree in a related scientific discipline (strong preference)

Tools

R

Python

Bioinformatics

eDNA workflows

Job description

About @Orchard:

@Orchard is a growing Woman-Owned Small Business and federal prime contractor delivering mission-critical science, data, technology, program management, and workforce solutions. Since 2010, we have built high-performing teams and disciplined delivery systems that help federal agencies launch complex programs, sustain performance, and achieve meaningful mission outcomes.

Description

About @Orchard:

@Orchard is a growing Woman-Owned Small Business and federal prime contractor delivering mission-critical science, data, technology, program management, and workforce solutions. Since 2010, we have built high-performing teams and disciplined delivery systems that help federal agencies launch complex programs, sustain performance, and achieve meaningful mission outcomes.

Position Summary

@Orchard LLC is seeking a Genetics (eDNA) Scientist to support NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration.

The successful candidate will provide scientific expertise supporting ocean exploration through environmental DNA (eDNA), molecular ecology, biodiversity assessment, and interdisciplinary research. Working with marine scientists, geoscientists, GIS specialists, engineers, and federal program managers, this role supports planning, execution, interpretation, and communication of scientific activities that improve understanding of marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

The role emphasizes scientific analysis, biological interpretation, technical reporting, collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, and support for NOAA's expanding use of genomic and omics approaches.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Mission Impact

This position supports NOAA's mission to explore, characterize, and understand the ocean by transforming molecular and biodiversity data into actionable scientific knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

• Support environmental DNA (eDNA) and molecular ecology initiatives.
• Analyze biological and molecular datasets supporting marine biodiversity assessments.
• Support biological sampling and specimen documentation during ocean exploration activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Interpret genetic information supporting scientific assessments.
• Maintain scientific datasets, metadata, and documentation.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and scientific summaries.
• Support collaborations with academic institutions and federal research partners.
• Contribute to publications and technical deliverables.
• Remain current on emerging genomics and molecular ecology methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Oceanography, Biological Sciences, or related discipline. Advanced degree in a related scientific discipline is a strong preference.
• Experience supporting scientific research involving biodiversity, molecular ecology, or environmental science.
• Knowledge of environmental DNA (eDNA), genomics, molecular biology, or biodiversity assessment.
• Experience supporting NOAA or marine science organizations.
• Experience with eDNA workflows, genomics, bioinformatics, or biological data analysis.
• Experience supporting interdisciplinary ocean exploration programs.
• Scientific publication or technical writing experience.
• Experience interpreting scientific datasets and preparing technical documentation.
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience using R or Python is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Environmental DNA (eDNA).
• Molecular Ecology & Genomics.
• Biodiversity Assessment.
• Biological Data Analysis.
• Scientific Data Management.
• Technical Writing.
• Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, Teams, SharePoint.
• Bioinformatics (preferred).
• R and/or Python (preferred).

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position depends on the candidate’s qualifications, and relevant project management experience.

What We Offer

Competitive base salary with opportunities for advancement, career growth and professional development, work-life balance, comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), generous PTO, and paid federal holidays.

If you are a motivated and experienced professional with a passion for scientific and environmental research and ocean exploration, we want to hear from you!

@Orchard is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.

To learn more about our other exciting opportunities, visit our Jobs Page at www.atorchard.com.