Marine Genetics Technician – Lab & Field Specialist

Ocean Associates, Inc.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Associates, Inc. seeks a candidate to support laboratory and field work for marine mammal and turtle research. Responsibilities include processing tissue samples, DNA extraction, data entry, and reporting. Occasional field response and travel to field sites are expected.

The role is full-time with benefits and a pay rate of $30.00-$34.00 per hour, commensurate with experience. A Bachelor's degree and relevant experience are required, with NMFS SWFSC collaboration emphasized.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in fisheries, oceanography, natural sciences, mathematics or hydrology with related experience.
• Experience in a molecular laboratory focusing on genetic research including DNA extraction and sequencing.
• Experience with relational databases and data entry.
• Experience curating tissue and DNA samples.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Willingness to receive feedback and implement it.

Responsibilities

• Process tissue samples for marine turtle and mammal genetics projects.
• Perform DNA extraction, quantification, PCR and sequencing tasks.
• Maintain lab inventory, prepare reagents, and manage data entry.
• Participate in meetings with project leads and NMFS staff.
• Engage in fieldwork, stranding response, and related necropsy sessions as needed.
• Provide editorial support for SOPs, safety guidance, manuscripts and website content.

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in fisheries/oceanography/related fields

Tools

Qubit fluorometer

Agilent BioAnalyzer

Bio-RAD ddPCR machine

Illumina MiSeq

Relational databases

MS Office

Job description

Ocean Associates, Inc. seeks a candidate to support laboratory and field work for marine mammal and turtle research. Responsibilities include processing tissue samples, DNA extraction, data entry, and reporting. Occasional field response and travel to field sites are expected.

The role is full-time with benefits and a pay rate of $30.00-$34.00 per hour, commensurate with experience. A Bachelor's degree and relevant experience are required, with NMFS SWFSC collaboration emphasized.