Research Associate - Genotyping

The Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT); California (MO); On-site; USD 46,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick/vacation plan

Health care

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

The Center for Aquaculture Technologies, a private aquaculture innovation and research company, seeks a Research Associate – Genotyping in the Genotyping lab in San Diego, CA.

The role focuses on developing SNP panels, performing NGS library prep and QC, high-throughput DNA extractions, and deploying automation to improve throughput. Strong English, organization, and collaboration skills are required.

Qualifications

• Experience with assay development and library prep on Illumina/Ion platforms.
• Experience with liquid handling automation to aid processing and improve throughput on the genotyping platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to follow protocols.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent English (spoken and written).
• Training schedule: 3–4 months, Mon–Fri 9–5:30.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing SNP panels and assays for various species.
• Perform NGS library prep/QC.
• Perform high-throughput DNA extractions and quality assessments.
• Troubleshooting to improve processes and data quality.
• Develop and deploy automation to aid processing.
• Collaborate with scientists, technicians, associates; work independently within guidelines.
• Coordinate with Research Technicians on training; lab upkeep, equipment maintenance, restocking supplies, inventories.

Skills

Assay development

NGS library prep

Automation experience

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology

Tools

Ion sequencing platform

AmpliSeq

Oxford Nanopore

DNA extraction systems

Liquid handling automation

Job description

Job Description

Research Associate – Genotyping The Center for Aquaculture Technologies, a private aquaculture innovation and research company, is seeking a Research Associate to assist development, optimization, and implementation of next-generation sequencing services in the Genotyping lab in San Diego, CA.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing SNP panels and associated assays for various species [emphasis on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) applications on Thermo ION platform, Element Aviti Platform and Oxford Nanopore platform].
• Perform Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation/QC
• Perform high-throughput DNA extractions and quality assessments.
• Troubleshooting to improve processes and data consistency and quality.
• Develop and deploy appropriate automation to aid processing and improve throughput on the genotyping platforms.
• Work collaboratively within team settings with scientists, technicians, and other associates as well as independently within well-defined guidelines.
• Coordinate with Research Technicians on training and troubleshooting processes; and participate in laboratory upkeep including equipment maintenance, vendor sourcing and restocking supplies, and maintaining inventories.

Key Qualifications

• Experience with assay development and library preparations on Illumina/Ion sequencing platforms (Preferably Thermo ION sequencing platform, AmpliSeq genotyping, Agriplex, PacBio and Oxford Nanopore Chemistries)
• Experience with liquid handling automation; to aid processing and improve throughput on the genotyping platforms (Preferably experience with DNA extraction systems, and with liquid handling instruments)
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Biological Sciences, Life Science and/or a related field is required.
• Good computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office is required.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in both group and one on one settings.
• Must be organized, detail-oriented and meticulous in following set protocols and record keeping.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, production environment.
• Excellent English (both verbal and written) is required.
• Training Schedule Required (3-4 months) - Monday through Friday 9-5:30pm

CAT offers a competitive salary ($46,000-$79,000 based on experience) and benefits including a generous sick/vacation plan, and group health care and retirement savings plans.