Genetics Technician

Ocean Associates, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Associates, Inc. is seeking a candidate to support laboratory and field work for marine mammal and turtle genetics projects. You will process tissue samples, perform DNA extraction and sequencing, manage data, and assist with field responses and editorial tasks.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and hands-on molecular lab experience, with strong communication and teamwork skills. Location is La Jolla, CA, with travel as needed and a competitive hourly wage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in fisheries, oceanography, natural sciences, or related fields, plus several years of related experience.
• Molecular lab experience focused on genetic research including DNA extraction, quantification, PCR, and sequencing.
• Experience with relational databases, data entry, and querying.
• Experience curating tissue and DNA samples.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Process tissue samples for marine turtle and marine mammal genetics projects, including DNA extraction, quantification, and sequencing.
• Provide core molecular lab support: reagents prep, stocking, equipment maintenance.
• Participate in site meetings to exchange information and stay informed.
• Assist in fieldwork, stranding response, and necropsy sessions as needed.
• Provide editorial and SOP writing services related to projects.
• Scan historical data, organize digital files, and summarize lab results into databases.

Skills

Molecular lab work

DNA extraction

PCR sequencing

Genotyping

Relational databases

Tissue/DNA handling

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in related field

Tools

Qubit fluorometer

Agilent BioAnalyzer

BioRAD ddPCR

3730 DNA Analyzer

Illumina MiSeq

Oxford Nanopore sequencer

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact Ocean Associates at 703-388-9548 to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

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

• 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 $30.00 - $34.00 per hour. Overtime IS anticipated

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.
• 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.

Applicants should submit a resume that includes the following:

• Cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed.
• Work history for past 10 years or since last full-time education.
• Education.
• Previous experience or training with similar requirements.
• Three professional references.
• Include your name in the document file name.
• Upload your resume in readable, not scanned, PDF or Word format (PDF is preferred).

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check. OAI does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law.

OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to voluntarily self-identify their disability status and veteran status. OAI's online application includes check boxes to either voluntarily self identify or decline to self identify. While the information is collected through your application, it is collected anonymously and is not connected to your application. OAI uses the information it collects to track its disability and veteran hiring progress, and to meet its obligations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and under VEVRAA.

Note: If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work, we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you, please let us know in the "Notes" section on the second page of the online application.