Insect DNA Barcoding Lab Technician San Francisco

Calacademy; California (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Academy of Sciences invites applications for a Barcoding Technician, an integral role in digitizing insect collections and conducting DNA sequencing as part of the Thriving California Initiative. This position demands meticulous attention to detail and a deep commitment to biodiversity science, working collaboratively within a dynamic team environment to barcode 80,000 insect specimens over the next two years.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years’ experience in standard PCR/Sanger sequencing-based laboratory protocols.
• Experience in second and third-generation sequencing techniques preferred.
• Experience working with museum specimens preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a team to obtain COI barcodes from insect specimens via MinION sequencing.
• Prepare reagents and maintain inventory of frozen gDNA.
• Assist with database management and train interns in lab methods.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Barcoding Technician to support genomic research characterizing insect biodiversity in California as part of the Thriving California Initiative and a grant from the State of California through the California Institute of Biodiversity to digitize and sequence insect collections. This five-year strategic initiative is a coordinated effort of scientific research, cross-sector collaboration, and widespread education and engagement focused on California biodiversity.

The Insect DNA Barcoding Technician will support our efforts to digitize and barcode every named-species of insect in California. The Barcoding Technician will work as part of a large collaborative team, and will coordinate across insect collections in the state of California and the Academy’ Center for Comparative Genomics with the goal of DNA barcoding 80,000 archival insect specimens in the next two years. The technician will manage incoming insect samples, and will undertake laboratory work including DNA extraction, PCR, Oxford Nanopore library preparation, MinION sequencing and general sample preparation for external sequencing providers. They will also be responsible for following sample and data pipeline and for using established protocols. The successful applicant will be meticulous in their approach to handling and processing samples and data and have good all-round experience handling samples for genetic analyses.

Organizational Culture
Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values ! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives .

We are committed to ensuring diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are intrinsic to Academy culture and operations, from recruitment and retention to science and advocacy.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. Staff are currently expected to work from the Academy offices at least 2-3 times per week, which may fluctuate based on business needs. Please do not apply if you are not able to work onsite. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by Cal Academy Workers United. Once the Academy has a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Cal Academy Workers United this position will be subject to the terms and conditions of that contract. Candidates are required to have up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals receiving a conditional offer of employment from the California Academy of Sciences will be provided the full text of the vaccination policy. The California Academy of Sciences is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace, to protect its employees, volunteers and guests.

About the Thriving California/ Entomology Team
Thriving California is a major new Academy initiative that will harness scientific data and mobilize diverse communities to fight climate change, stop biodiversity loss, and advocate for nature in the Golden State. Our Entomology department oversees one of the largest insect collections in the world, containing over 17 million specimens, many of which are from the State of California.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with a team based at the Academy to obtain COI barcodes from insect specimens in our collections via MinION amplicon sequencing.

Prepare reagents and consumables, and stock lab consumables (tubes, tips, etc.)

Maintain an inventory of frozen gDNA, and intermediate products (i.e., PCR)

Assist with barcoding database management and submission od barcode data to public databases

Train undergraduate interns in lab methods

Follow all Academy safety regulations

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Experience and/or Education:

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or equivalent.

Minimum two years’ experience in standard PCR/Sanger sequencing-based laboratory protocols

Experience in second and third-generation sequencing techniques and protocols preferred

Experience working with museum specimens preferred

Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English) and a strong background in science communication with diverse audiences.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong interest in biodiversity and ability to communicate that passion.

Ability to perform standard PCR and DNA sequencing lab work

Familiarity with second and third generation sequencing techniques

Works as a part of multi-disciplinary teams and diverse stakeholder groups

Committed to working on a team that is striving to be anti-racist in work, interactions, systems, and tools

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to work independently, and as a member of interdisciplinary teams on cross-cutting issues

Demonstrated ability to successfully collaborate with non-scientists

Flexible and creative

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence

Physical Environment:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Ability to lift 10 lbs.

Ability to perform repetitive motions 20% of the time

Compensation and Benefits
The hourly range for this position is $28.00 - $29.00Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, skills/knowledge set, and internal equity. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule:Full-Time, 40 hours per week, project ends on June 30 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE:Review of applications will begin on June 9th, 2025 and close on June 23rd, 2025 or continue until the position is filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please upload your resume and complete the brief online application

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of theSan Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).

We are committed to ensuring that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placements, transfers, promotions, compensation, benefits, terminations, training, and social and recreational programs, will be on the basis of qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled. The Academy does not discriminate against qualified applicants or employees with respect to any terms or conditions of employment on account of any characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. Read our full Equal Opportunity Statementhere .

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