Ocean Career: Ocean Associates Inc. SWFSC Genetics Technical Support

Marine Mammal and Turtle Research Scientist

The Marine Mammal and Turtle Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center conducts research on marine mammals and sea turtles to monitor trends in abundance and provide management advice to domestic and international bodies.

Scientists at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center 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 Southwest Fisheries Science Center 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 US Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The Southwest Fisheries Science Center is a leading facility for genetic analysis and hosts the necessary laboratory infrastructure to conduct the analyses required of this project.

In addition, the Southwest Fisheries Science Center conducts field projects focusing on foraging green, loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the US West coast. Data collection occurs via small boat and aerial platforms to gather biological and abundance data. These projects are critical to the National Marine Fisheries Service's understanding of marine turtle distribution and habitat use along the coast.

• 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 Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Marine Mammal and Turtle Division and program specific meetings with the Project Lead(s), NMFS staff, and Center leadership to exchange information and to stay informed.
• Participate in Marine Mammal and Turtle Division 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.

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

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 Bio Analyzer, 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…