Ocean Career: AIS eDNA Biologist

EDNA Support Biologist

AIS is looking for an eDNA Support Biologist to help conduct experiments to obtain data on the shedding and degradation rates of eDNA from selected species including silver hake, black seabass, shad, river herring and other finfish species. The information will help to determine the utility of eDNA in quantitative survey assessments for wild-caught fisheries and protected species. This position is part of a contract opportunity we are currently bidding on.

The Ecosystems and Aquaculture Division (EAD) supports research themes including the processes linking spatial and temporal patterns in climate with regional and local responses of species and their habitats. If successful, subsequent research will focus on integrating this information into assessment models with collaborators.

Key tasks include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

• Assist in the planning of and preparations for eDNA laboratory studies.
• Provide feeding and maintenance of fish used as test subjects in project experiment(s).
• Clean fish containers and tanks and other seawater system components.
• Collects, samples, stores, processes, and/or ships study subject samples before, during, and after experiments.
• Ability to calibrate a variety of probes, meters, and electrodes used to measure water chemistry parameters.
• Manage sample preparation, qPCR and metabarcoding, outsourcing for sequencing and analyses on water samples obtained from experiments and the field.
• Understand safety procedures in the laboratory, handle chemicals, do basic chemical safety, and dispose of chemical reagents in compliance with state regulations.
• Provide detail laboratory notebooks of sample analysis when requested.
• Work on a boat to collect water, sediment, or live organism samples as needed.
• Attend scientific and educational conferences to present research material and network on current and future projects.

Minimum qualifications include a degree in Biology, Marine Science or related fields or 1 year of working experience directly related to the tasks outlined herein. Ability to enter, organize, summarize, and document data collection; to perform analytical and elementary statistical software on collected data, deduce results, and communicate research findings. Skilled in organizing, tracking, and documenting research activities; support tasks (supply needs and expenditures);

and assisting NOAA personnel in a multi-tasking environment.

Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated and total compensation will vary depending on candidates' depth of experience. This is a full–time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.