Marine Biologist Genetics Technician

Lynker Corporation is seeking to hire a Marine Biologist Genetics Technician to support a contract with NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) Marine Mammal and Turtle Division (MMTD). This is a full-time position based at the SWFSC facility in La Jolla, California and is anticipated to begin on September 30, 2024.

The SWFSC MMTD conducts research on marine mammals and sea turtles to monitor trends in abundance and provide management advice to domestic and international bodies. Scientists at SWFSC 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 bycatch in Pacific and Atlantic fisheries and samples collected from numerous foraging and nesting populations are routinely sent to the SWFSC 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 U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The SWFSC is a leading facility for genetic analysis and hosts the necessary laboratory infrastructure to conduct the analyses required of this project. In addition, SWFSC conducts field projects focusing on foraging green, loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the U.S. West coast to understand marine turtle distribution and habitat use. The MMTD requires support services for laboratory and field work involved in collecting and processing samples and data, issuing associated reports, and responding to strandings on an as needed basis.

Duties for this position will include:

• Processing 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

• Participating in fieldwork, stranding response and necropsy sessions on an as needed basis including driving government vehicles when necessary

• Providing editorial services (reviewing, editing (grammar, spelling, comprehension), and writing, including laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety guidance, manuscripts, and website content related to projects

• Scanning historical field sample documents, organize digital data files, enter lab results and records into provided database, and prepare data summary spreadsheets.

Requirements

Minimum required qualifications include:

• 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.

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with molecular laboratory equipment including: Qubit fluorometer, Agilent BioAnalyzer, 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 strandings and participating in necropsies.

• Experience participating in marine turtle field research, including collecting data and biological sampling during field efforts.

We request that you include a cover letter with your application. Please either include your cover letter in the same file as your resume, underneath of your resume; OR once you have applied by Creating/Using an Account with Lynker, you may upload a cover letter within your user profile.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.