Ocean Career: SIO Marine eDNA Seagoing Technician

EDNA Sampling Technician

At sea, operate and monitor eDNA sampling instruments to ensure optimal performance and data quality. Ashore, collaborate with the supervising researcher to evaluate instrument performance and work directly with the instrument manufacturer to troubleshoot technical issues and support system improvements. Contribute to improvements in eDNA data management workflows to support the dissemination of data products on the CalCOFI website.

• Bachelor's degree in marine science, oceanography, engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of oceanography, chemistry, biology, and engineering principles needed for data collection, analysis, and quality control.
• Minimum of 14 days seagoing experience with demonstrated ability to perform technical procedures independently at sea.
• Ability to work at sea for several weeks at a time, including tolerance for physically demanding and variable conditions.
• Experience with oceanographic instrumentation, molecular biology, and sterile laboratory techniques.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to independently manage supplies, equipment inventories, and sampling logistics across ship and shore environments.
• Careful attention to detail and record keeping, including experience in maintaining sample tracking systems or field logbooks.
• Familiarity with safe handling, labeling, and disposal of chemical preservatives and biological samples in accordance with institutional and regulatory safety standards.
• Proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel or equivalent.
• Experience with Git Hub or other version-control platforms for protocol and data management.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills (oral and written).
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to interact using tact and diplomacy with diverse personalities, including academic, staff, student and volunteer employees and institutions/organizations.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results.
• Must be prepared to go to sea for 120 days per year.
• Must be able to give and hear verbal commands in a noisy environment at sea.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lb.

Salary range: $65,171 – $104,836

Final date to receive applications:
May 11, 2026