RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 2 Department: Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean (JISAO) Posting Date: 11/21/2018 Closing Info: Open Until Filled Salary: Salary is commensurate with education and experience
As a University of Washington employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for five consecutive years. JISAO has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist Engineer. This JISAO/UW research scientist will work in the new Genetics and Genomics Group (G3 Lab) at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, Sand Point in Seattle under Dr. Carol Stepien (NOAA/PMEL) and with Dr. Kim Andrews (JISAO/UW). The G3 lab uses cutting-edge techniques such as multi-locus metabarcoding, RADseq, and mitogenome sequencing to study oceanic biological community diversity and responses to physical and chemical oceanographic parameters. Component species and population genetic relationships for invertebrates and fishes are identified and assessed using environmental DNA (eDNA), plankton, sediment samples, and whole organisms collected with plankton tows, CTD casts, ROVs, and sediment cores. Study regions include the west coast of North America, Salish Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and U.S. Arctic, as well as deep sea vents and seeps across the Pacific. Physical, chemical and biological oceanographic parameters are considered to predict the effects on marine ecosystems of environmental change including acidification, warming, hypoxia, and deep sea mining. This position involves using environmental DNA and Next-generation sequencing data collection and analysis from water and plankton samples from the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Arctic and the deep sea in concert with physical and chemical oceanographic conditions to understand marine ecology. Job duties: •Perform, trouble-shoot, and analyze results of various molecular biology techniques including quantitative RT-PCR, Next-Generation Sequencing library preparation (e.g., metabarcoding, RADseq, mitogenomes), Sanger sequencing, DNA/RNA/protein extractions, tissue and sample acquisition •Interpret results and maintain complete and accurate records of experiments conducted and data obtained in a laboratory notebook and in computer databases •Assist PI with grant-related paperwork, data analyses, literature reviews and preparation of manuscripts and presentations •Train and help oversee laboratory graduate and undergraduate student researchers in conducting molecular biology experiments, when specified by the PI •Maintain laboratory equipment, cleanliness, autoclaving, buffer preparation, etc. Inventory and order supplies •Conduct at-sea experiments and sampling of plankton, fishes and invertebrates. As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here. Required education/skills: •BS Degree in molecular biology, life sciences, genetics, chemistry or related field •Minimum of one to three years of job-related experience •Careful attention to detail and record keeping, strong laboratory chemistry techniques to avoid contamination, skilled in molecular biology/genetics techniques, statistical analysis skills and experience •Strong organizational skills. Excellent interpersonal communication skills (oral and written) •Familiarity with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat/Illustrator •Working knowledge of molecular biology and sterile techniques, including PCR, DNA extraction, DNA sequencing •Must be physically able to work at sea and lift boxes of samples or equipment weighing 50 pounds Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements such as license/certification/registration. Desired skills and abilities: •Strong preference for genetics analytical skills, including BLAST, DNA alignment, sequence analysis, and statistical analysis •Population genetics course and data analysis experience, experienced in genomics and genetics laboratory approaches, next-generation sequencing •Courses or background in systematic biology and taxonomy, invertebrate zoology, ichthyology (fishes), marine biology/oceanography •Experience working at sea Application Process: Apply here: https://uwhires.admin.washington.edu/ENG/Candidates/default.cfm?szCategory=jobprofile&szOrderID=162196 The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed. The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral. The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or d...@uw.edu.
