Job Description

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide support for laboratory and field work involved in collecting and processing samples and data, issuing associated reports, and stranding response as needed to the Marine Mammal & Turtle Division (MMTD) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) 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 MMTD of the NMFS SWFSC conducts research on marine mammals and sea turtles to monitor trends in abundance and provide management advice to domestic and international bodies.

Scientists at SWFSC La Jolla Laboratory use molecular techniques to investigate population structure, foraging strategies, habitat use and movement patterns in marine turtles and mammals. Tissue samples from marine turtles and mammals encountered as by catch in Pacific and Atlantic fisheries, and samples collected from numerous foraging and nesting populations are routinely sent to the SWFSC for long-term archiving and molecular analysis using genetic techniques. Understanding population structure and habitat use of these animals is critical for developing effective management strategies for marine turtles and mammals, which is mandated by the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NMFS SWFSC is a leading facility for genetic analysis and hosts the necessary laboratory infrastructure to conduct the analyses required of this project.

In addition, SWFSC conducts field projects focusing on foraging green, loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the U.S. West coast. Data collection occurs via small boat and aerial platforms to gather biological and abundance data. These projects are critical to NMFS’s understanding of marine turtle distribution and habitat use along the coast.

Duties:

• Process tissue samples for use in marine turtle and marine mammal genetics projects. Processing includes, but is not limited to, curation of tissue and DNA samples for the molecular tissue archive; data entry and querying in MS Access; DNA extraction (eDNA, blood, tissue, fecal), quantification (spectroscopy, fluorometry), PCR, mtDNA sequencing (Sanger) and nuclear microsatellite DNA genotyping (genescan-based), NGS library preparations (including reduced representation, targeted amplicon based, whole genome); transferring, labeling, and long-term storage of samples and DNA.
• Provide core support for molecular laboratories including: preparation of reagents and autoclave; stocking lab with supplies and reagents; inventorying and preparing orders for molecular lab supplies; running and maintaining lab equipment; preparing biopsy kits for sample collection, etc.
• Participate in periodic SWFSC, MMTD and program specific meetings with the Project Lead(s), NMFS staff, and Center leadership to exchange information and to stay informed.
• Participate in MMTD fieldwork, stranding response and necropsy sessions on an as needed basis including driving government vehicles when necessary to complete tasks.
• Provide editorial services (reviewing, editing (grammar, spelling, comprehension), and writing) including laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety guidance, manuscripts, and website content related to these duties.
• Scan historical field sample documents, organize digital data files, enter lab results and records into provided database, and prepare data summary spreadsheets.

Start Date: 10/01/2024

Location: SWFSC in La Jolla, CA.

Travel: Travel is anticipated for this position to participate in fieldwork in support of MMTD’s marine mammal and turtle research projects. Transportation will be either government vehicle or privately owned vehicle with lodging and per diem.

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, is $28 – $34 per hour.

Requirements:

Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university with a major directly related in a field of study as related to the requirements of specific task order with emphasis in fisheries, oceanography, social science, natural science, mathematics, or hydrology, plus three (3) years of experience in related field or combination of such totaling seven (7) years combined education and experience. Master’s Degree may be substituted for experience.
• Demonstrated experience working in a molecular laboratory setting with a focus on genetic research including DNA extraction, quantification (spectroscopy, fluorometry), PCR and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequencing and genotyping for marine turtles.
• Experience with relational databases including data entry and querying.
• Experience curating tissue and DNA samples.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively in a team/group setting.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement appropriate action.

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with molecular laboratory equipment including: Qubit fluorometer, Agilent BioAnalyzer, BioRAD ddPCR machine, 3730 genetic analyzer, Illumina MiSeq, Oxford nanopore sequencer.
• Experience with molecular (sequence) data analysis using Genemapper and Geneious.
• Experience responding to sea turtle strandings and participating in necropsies.
• Experience participating in marine turtle field research, including collecting data and biological sampling during field efforts.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 60,000 - 80,000.

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