Fish Biologist For Environmental And Fisheries Sciences

At Saltwater Inc., we believe that high-quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and oceans: our mission is to provide that data. We are a Women-Owned Small Business and are constantly seeking new team members who share our passion for innovation and environmental wellness.

Saltwater is currently recruiting for a Fish Biologist to assist the Environmental Physiology Program (EPP) of the Environmental and Fisheries Sciences (EFS) Division. This position will assist scientists in continuing field research investigations aimed at understanding the extent of spatial and temporal variation in growth of juvenile salmon and the environmental factor driving this variation in freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments of OR, WA, and ID as well as within the broader northeast Pacific Ocean. Work will be accomplished via the bench-top laboratory development and validation of physiological tools as well as large-scale monitoring and investigation of hatchery and wild salmon populations.

If you are passionate about revitalizing our fish populations and have at least three (3) years’ experience working in a fish physiology laboratory, we would love to hear from you. This position is to be filled immediately and is part of an ongoing contract in its second option year that extends through August 2023. The location for this position is on-site at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, WA.

Tasks:

• Bloodandtissuecollection
  1. Assist staff scientists with collecting size data, blood, and tissue samples from juvenile salmon in estuarine and marine waters of the Pacific Northwest to assess spatial and temporal variation in growth.
     • Participate in ocean surveys aboard either NOAA or contract vessels, for durations of up to 20 days at sea, collecting plasma samples from juvenile salmon caught in the survey.
     • Participate in weeklong sampling trips on the Columbia River Estuary (Astoria, OR) or other sites in the Pacific Northwest, collecting plasma samples from juvenile salmon caught during sampling from small boats.
     • Keep accurate records of all samples collected.
     • Arrange logistics for staff participating in other sampling trips collecting salmon plasma.
     • Train other staff to obtain, process, and store plasma samples obtained during sampling.
• Laboratoryanalyses
  1. Conduct laboratory analysis of various physiological factors in fish using established methodologies including immunoassays for plasma hormones and enzyme assays.
  2. Conduct measurements of growth-related hormone insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-1) in fish plasma using time resolved flouro-immunoassay (TRFIA).
  3. Conduct measurements of reproductive in fish plasma using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Hormones include, but are not limited to, 11-ketotestosterone, testosterone and estradiol.
  4. Maintain standard operating procedures (SOP) and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures for assay output.
• Dataentry,organization, and analysis
  1. Enter, compile, and organize data from field and laboratory collection activity in Excel spreadsheets and/or databases.
  2. Conduct statistical analysis using desktop statistics software including and prepare tables that communicate the results of the statistical analysis.
  3. Construct graphs and tables of associated data using standard desktop graphics packages for use in reports, presentations at meetings, and conferences, and for preparation of peer reviewed publications.
  4. Oversee scientific writing and editing of sections of annual reports and peer-reviewed publications with staff scientists.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree and four (4) years’ experience from an accredited college or university in fisheries, oceanography, natural science, mathematics, or hydrology, plus three (3) years of experience in related field or combination of such totaling seven (7) years combined education/experience. Master’s Degree may be substituted for experience.
• Experience with standard laboratory techniques used in a fish physiology laboratory
• Experience with sampling fish on an ocean survey
• Experience using computer based statistical and database programs.

Salary range is dependent on the program, experience, and solicitation.

Only qualified applicants with the requisite experience need to apply. If interested, applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the qualifications listed above and why you would be the best candidate for the job.

Saltwater’s mandatory employee COVID-19 policy requires proof of Covid-19 vaccination to safeguard the health of our employees and their families.

Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent and allow each member of our team to achieve their full potential and maximum productivity.

We will honor all requests for application confidentiality.

For more information, please visit our website at www.saltwaterinc.com