Job Description

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide Genetics Lab Support to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center’s Genetics, Physiology and Aquaculture program in La Jolla, CA. 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 Genetics, Physiology and Aquaculture program (SWFSC-GPA) of the Fisheries Resources Division at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center conducts research to promote sustainable fisheries. As part of this work we develop and utilize genetic tools to improve both management of wild populations as well as managing breeding programs in aquaculture. The production and analysis of genetic data to quantify genetic diversity, identify and develop trait-linked markers, and understand spawning dynamics is required for several projects currently underway. Additionally, the emerging field of using environmental DNA (eDNA) is increasingly becoming a need for the program to aid in surveys of wild populations of fish and invertebrates. The SWFSC-GPA program has a requirement for general laboratory assistance in the generation and analysis of genetic data for finfish and invertebrates.

Tasks and Deliverables

Key tasks include the following:

Task 1: eDNA analyses

Description: Participate with NOAA staff to collect water or other bulk samples for DNA extraction. The field-based sampling would involve occasional multi-hour day trips to collect water samples or fish specimens for prey content analyses (typically <1 day but may be several days in a row) in addition to processing of archived samples. This task involves filtration of seawater or processing of tissue homogenate using DNA clean techniques, extraction of DNA from filter media/homogenate using a variety of DNA extraction methods, amplification of DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), evaluation of PCR by gel electrophoresis, and subsequent DNA sequencing to verify species detected. In lab-based studies, comparison of eDNA results to standard methods or known data (e.g. known species of fish/abalone in a tank, visual identifications of organisms present in stomach contents), should be conducted to evaluate the comparability between eDNA and other data generation methods.

Deliverables: Lab notebook, data and final report on analyses conducted and results produced. If novel methods or protocols are developed these should be provided in detailed summary in the final report.

Task 2: Wild Population Genetic Diversity

Description: Participate in lab and field-based studies to collect tissue samples from the field or use archived specimens and perform laboratory analyses alongside NOAA SWFSC staff. The field based studies would involve occasional multi-hour day trips to collect tissue samples from wild marine organisms (typically <1day) and to archive these tissues in the SWFSC tissue archive. On occasion, there may be the need for participation in multiday field surveys (typically <5 days in duration) to support sample collection. The laboratory portion of this task involves extraction of DNA from tissue samples using a variety of DNA extraction methods, amplification of DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), evaluation of PCR by gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing or genotyping, and data analysis. Also assist is basic laboratory management including restocking supplies, cleaning, and scheduling.

Deliverables: Lab notebook, data and final report on analyses conducted and results produced. If novel methods or protocols are developed these should be provided in detailed summary in the final report.

Task 3: Captive Population Genetic Diversity

Description: Participate with NOAA staff to collect and process samples of tissue, eggs, and larvae to generate genotype data, metrics of genetic diversity, and conduct parentage analyses of captive populations of fish and invertebrates to guide culturing practices and provide data for best management practices. This task involves extraction of DNA from various tissue types (i.e. muscle/fin/tentacle tissue, egg, larva) using a variety of DNA extraction methods specific to the sample type, amplification of DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), evaluation of PCR by gel electrophoresis, and subsequent DNA sequencing or genotyping and parentage or genetic matching assays.

Deliverables: Lab notebook, data and final report on analyses conducted and results produced. If novel methods or protocols are developed these should be provided in detailed summary in the final report.

Task 4: Scientific diving

Description: Participate with NOAA scientific diving staff on underwater SCUBA surveys and sample collection in support of abalone population analyses. This task involves conducting underwater surveys (e.g. line transect) and collecting information on abalone presence and species, presence of abalone predators, habitat type, and collecting size information for individual animals as well as genetic tissue sampling or in-situ water samples for eDNA analysis. Scientific diving will typically be conducted in depths of 30-100’ but may occasionally require diving to 150’ following established NOAA diving policy. It is estimated that no more than 12 days of diving will be required per year and these dive days may either be individual day trips or part of a multi-day dive survey (typically <5 days)

Deliverables: Dive logs recording environmental information, depth, date, time, and location. Data sheets from individual dives recording required survey information, data sheets with required fields will be provided and based upon the goals and methods of individual survey needs. Documented and maintained proficiency with NOAA dive program guidelines including regular recording of dive logs and equipment maintenance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university with a major directly related in a field of study with emphasis in fisheries, oceanography, social science, natural science, mathematics, or hydrology.

Additional skills and experience required:

• Basic laboratory experience using genetic methods including DNA extraction and quantification, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Gel electrophoresis, and data archiving.
• Experience working on marine finfish and/or invertebrate genetic projects
• Experience and certifications for SCUBA diving

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience conducting eDNA studies including collection of samples and interpretation of results.
• Experience working in an aquaculture setting with knowledge on handling, breeding strategies, spawning, and larval development.
• Experience conducting scientific dives (ie. past certification through AAUS or other recognized agency)
• Strong oral and written communication skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to work well independently and as part of a team, are required.
• Ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively in a team/group setting.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement appropriate action.

Location: Work will be conducted either on-site at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (8901 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037) or in the field at locations TBD.

Salary: This is a full-time position. Wage range is $25.00 to $31.00 per hour. Overtime is not anticipated. Comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

103 total views, 0 today

Apply for this Job