Marine Molecular Biologist Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Marine Molecular Biology Lab Assistant

Under general supervision, Marine Molecular Biology Lab Assistant will perform technical duties in a laboratory. This position involves molecular evaluation of fish and invertebrate organisms, including identification of marine fish eggs and invasive freshwater mussels using PCR and DNA sequencing. Maintain laboratory cultures of copepods. Participate in a variety of physiological experiments using copepods as a model system. Generate DNA libraries for eDNA analyses using Illumina sequencing.

Responsible for assembling results and displaying data in a meaningful way. Perform general lab maintenance and supply inventory. Occasional training of undergraduate students and volunteers as needed.

Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and three (3) years of laboratory experience or two (2) years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and two (2) years of laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated experience in marine biology and genetics. Proven knowledge of and experience in general lab protocols.
• Proven knowledge of molecular biology with particular attention to identification of marine organisms using molecular techniques such as DNA barcoding.
• Demonstrated experience extracting DNA from diverse samples.
• Demonstrated ability to identify marine fish eggs and invasive freshwater mussels using PCR and DNA sequencing.
• Proven experience setting up PCR reactions and using PCR thermocycler for gene amplification.
• Demonstrated experience using DNA barcoding techniques. Experience using online DNA barcoding databases.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating gene sequences using genetics software such as Se quencher or Geneious.
• Demonstrated experience with use of pipets, analytical balances, dissecting and compound microscopes.
• Demonstrated experience with computational evaluation of next-gen (Illumina platform) sequencing data.
• Proven experience using a personal computer (PC preferred) as well as spreadsheet and word processing software such as Word and Excel.
• Proven ability to evaluate and analyze data. Ability to accurately maintain lab records with strict attention to detail.
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and procedures, and ability to maintain up-to-date safety training certification.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and work independently. Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to interact effectively, using tact and diplomacy, with diverse personalities.

• Knowledge of ichthyology and invertebrate biology.
• Graduate degree (Masters degree or higher) from an accredited college or university. Coursework including marine biology, molecular ecology, ichthyology, biodiversity, and conservation biology, or two (2) years laboratory experience involving these subjects.
• Experience generating DNA libraries for Illumina sequencing.