Genetics Lab Technician

Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission’s Genetics Laboratory Technician position is based at Hagerman, Idaho, within CRITFC’s Fishery Science Department. The role supports conservation genetics work on salmonids and other fishes of the Columbia River Basin, under supervision of the Lead Geneticist and Lab Managers, collaborating with CRITFC staff in Portland, OR.

This in-person position emphasizes tissue sampling, DNA extraction, library preparation, genetic marker analysis, data

Responsibilities

• Prepare sampling materials for collecting fish tissue samples in the field
• Extract DNA from fish tissues
• Prepare DNA libraries for next-generation sequencing (e.g., GT-seq, whole genome)
• Analyze genetic markers on specialized laboratory equipment
• Data entry into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and Progeny database
• Complete QA/QC protocols
• Communicate effectively with project leaders and team members
• Participate in inter-agency workgroups, as necessary
• Other duties as assigned and as appropriate to CRITFC goals and purposes.

Job description

The Genetics Laboratory Technician position is part of CRITFC’s Fishery Science Department stationed at its Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station in Hagerman, ID. The genetics research group is involved in testing conservation, evolution, and ecological theories related to salmonids and other fishes. The Genetics Laboratory Technician will work under the Lead Geneticist and Lab Managers, in association with CRITFC geneticists and other technicians, as well as staff of the Fishery Science Department in Portland, OR. Efforts will focus on applying empirical genetics/genomics data to address questions related to conservation and recovery of steelhead, Chinook, sockeye, and coho salmon, sturgeon, lamprey, and other fishes of the Columbia River Basin.

This is an in-person position located in Hagerman, Idaho.

Responsibilities

• Prepare sampling materials for collecting fish tissue samples in the field
• Extract DNA from fish tissues
• Prepare DNA libraries for next-generation sequencing (e.g., GT-seq, whole genome)
• Analyze genetic markers on specialized laboratory equipment
• Data entry into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and Progeny database
• Complete QA/QC protocols
• Communicate effectively with project leaders and team members
• Participate in inter-agency workgroups, as necessary
• Other duties as assigned and as appropriate to CRITFC goals and purposes.

Hiring preference

CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply.

CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.

CRITFC will consider non-citizen applicants who are authorized to work in the U.S. If not authorized to work in the U.S., CRITFC will provide reasonable support and accommodations to the candidate in obtaining U.S. work authorization. With the exception of certain employer required costs, CRITFC will not pay for costs related to applicant’s legal representation, filings for work authorization or immigration, or other costs related to obtaining work authorization.

*Please note: the term “Commission” as used in this description refers to CRITFC’s governing body. CRITFC is a tribal organization that is wholly owned and governed by the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. As a tribal organization, CRITFC is subject to a unique blend of policies and laws.