Ocean Career: Marine Fisheries eDNA Technician at Monmouth University

Offshore Fisheries EDNA Sampling Position

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.

• 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 Nex Gen 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.

• 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.

• 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 Nex Gen sequencing, and experience with R statistical programming including bioinformatics.
• Experience and ability to generate peer-reviewed manuscripts and scientific presentations from collected data.