Genetics (eDNA) Scientist

About @Orchard:

@Orchard is a growing Woman-Owned Small Business and federal prime contractor delivering mission-critical science, data, technology, program management, and workforce solutions. Since 2010, we have built high-performing teams and disciplined delivery systems that help federal agencies launch complex programs, sustain performance, and achieve meaningful mission outcomes.

About @Orchard:

@Orchard is a growing Woman-Owned Small Business and federal prime contractor delivering mission-critical science, data, technology, program management, and workforce solutions. Since 2010, we have built high-performing teams and disciplined delivery systems that help federal agencies launch complex programs, sustain performance, and achieve meaningful mission outcomes.

Position Summary

@Orchard LLC is seeking a Genetics (eDNA) Scientist to support NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration.

The successful candidate will provide scientific expertise supporting ocean exploration through environmental DNA (eDNA), molecular ecology, biodiversity assessment, and interdisciplinary research. Working with marine scientists, geoscientists, GIS specialists, engineers, and federal program managers, this role supports planning, execution, interpretation, and communication of scientific activities that improve understanding of marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

The role emphasizes scientific analysis, biological interpretation, technical reporting, collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, and support for NOAA's expanding use of genomic and omics approaches.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

This position supports NOAA's mission to explore, characterize, and understand the ocean by transforming molecular and biodiversity data into actionable scientific knowledge.

• Support environmental DNA (eDNA) and molecular ecology initiatives.
• Analyze biological and molecular datasets supporting marine biodiversity assessments.
• Support biological sampling and specimen documentation during ocean exploration activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Interpret genetic information supporting scientific assessments.
• Maintain scientific datasets, metadata, and documentation.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and scientific summaries.
• Support collaborations with academic institutions and federal research partners.
• Contribute to publications and technical deliverables.
• Remain current on emerging genomics and molecular ecology methodologies.

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Oceanography, Biological Sciences, or related discipline. Advanced degree in a related scientific discipline is a strong preference.
• Experience supporting scientific research involving biodiversity, molecular ecology, or environmental science.
• Knowledge of environmental DNA (eDNA), genomics, molecular biology, or biodiversity assessment.
• Experience supporting NOAA or marine science organizations.
• Experience with eDNA workflows, genomics, bioinformatics, or biological data analysis.
• Experience supporting interdisciplinary ocean exploration programs.
• Scientific publication or technical writing experience.
• Experience interpreting scientific datasets and preparing technical documentation.
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience using R or Python is preferred.

• Environmental DNA (eDNA).
• Molecular Ecology & Genomics.
• Biodiversity Assessment.
• Biological Data Analysis.
• Scientific Data Management.
• Technical Writing.
• Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, Teams, SharePoint.
• Bioinformatics (preferred).
• R and/or Python (preferred).

The anticipated salary range for this position depends on the candidate’s qualifications, and relevant project management experience.

Competitive base salary with opportunities for advancement, career growth and professional development, work-life balance, comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), generous PTO, and paid federal holidays.

If you are a motivated and experienced professional with a passion for scientific and environmental research and ocean exploration, we want to hear from you!

@Orchard is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.

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