The incumbent will participate in offshore fisheries and eDNA sampling trips seasonally (up to 7 consecutive days per trip). The incumbent will be in charge of preparing for sampling trips, processing samples and data collected on each trip in a timely fashion, as well as debriefing project staff on research cruises. This opportunity will also involve participation in report/manuscript writing, presentations at national meetings, and outreach and education.
Job Duties
- Work on an oceanographic vessel to collect eDNA water samples, fish samples and oceanographic data.
- If at sea trawling occurs, assistant in Identifying and enumerate fish species collected by trawling.
- Receive, organize, and analyze NexGen sequencing data.
- Order supplies, complete purchase requisitions, and conduct invoicing as needed.
- QA/QC of data.
- Maintain and calibrate sampling and field equipment.
- Filter, process, and ship eDNA samples.
- Write and communicate results through reports, presentations, and publications.
- Assist with outreach and education of marine ecology of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean.
- Conduct lab/field experiments in support of eDNA analysis.
- Attend and present at regional and national scientific meetings.
- Coordinate sampling trips with partner institutions.
- Prepare/pack for sampling trips.
- Prepare brief cruise report/updates following each sampling trip.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field, specifically with a marine and/or estuarine sciences focus.
- Experience with field oceanographic sampling techniques, laboratory analyses related to water quality and molecular biology, data analysis and organization/maintenance of large data sets, and reporting of scientific results.
- Ability to work extended periods (up to 7 consecutive days) at sea under possible inclement conditions. Ability to lift 50 pounds repeatedly. Ability to organize and coordinate long-term ecological sampling and data collection program.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree. Emphasis on combined field and laboratory research. Ability to operate small boats.
- Experience/familiarity with molecular techniques including DNA extraction, building libraries for Illumina MiSeq-HISeq NexGen sequencing, and experience with R statistical programming including bioinformatics.
- Experience and ability to generate peer-reviewed manuscripts and scientific presentations from collected data.
