RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ ENGINEER 2

Company: University of Washington
Location: Seattle
Posted on: November 19, 2023

Job Description:

If you are using a screen reader and experience any difficulty accessing our web pages, please call 206-543-2544 or email UWHires and we will be happy to assist you. jump to content Department: SCHOOL OF MARINE AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS Job Location: Seattle Campus Posting Date: 11/15/2023 Closing Info: Open Until Filled Other Compensation: Union Position: Yes Shift: First Shift Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. As a UW 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.

Broadly, environmental DNA (eDNA) is genetic information recovered from samples of water, air, or soil; such samples contain information about all species present within the area from which the sample was taken. This position will help develop molecular and bioinformatics tools to analyze eDNA for rare and endangered species.

This position is funded to work on a new project entitled "Methods for marine species conservation and management using environmental DNA," which focuses on developing tools for eDNA analysis in the natural-resources management arena. Project goals include developing generalizable eDNA methods for conservation and management of living species, specifically protocols for ddPCR, short-read Illumina sequencing, and longer-read MinIon sequencing. The immediate project focuses on yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus), the Puget Sound population of which is listed under the Endangered Species Act. Critical management needs include 1) distinguishing between ESA-listed and non-listed individuals, 2) mapping genetically distinct populations in space, and 3) developing an index of species abundance across sites.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Most of this position's responsibilities are in the laboratory where the successful candidate will test and optimize assays before they are applied to field samples. Specific laboratory work includes DNA extraction, PCR amplification, quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital-droplet PCR (ddPCR), and high-throughput sequencing via Illumina Miseq and Oxford Nanopore MinIon instrumentation. Some amount of fieldwork for sample collection may be required.

• (85%) Molecular laboratory work.
  
• (10%) Report preparation, meetings/discussions, and presentations to effectively communicate results.
  
• (5%) Fieldwork for sample collection.
  
  MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  
  
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Marine or Aquatic Science, Quantitative Ecology, Fisheries, or other related and quantitative fields.
  
• Two years of relevant experience, OR Equivalent combination of education/experience.
  
• Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
  
  ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  
  
• Competence in core molecular biological techniques including DNA ex- traction, PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, sequencing, and related skills.
  
• Excellent organizational skills, the ability to work independently, demonstrated foresight and good judgment, the ability to carry out routine troubleshooting.
  
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
  
  DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  
  
• An advanced degree and/or 4+ years of experience
  
• Population genetics
  
• Whole mitochondrial sequencing
  
• Knowledge of rockfish
  
• Experience designing and troubleshooting assays
  
• Experience with Oxford Nanopore MinIon protocol
  
  Application Process: The application process 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 Work 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. Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .
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Keywords: University of Washington, Seattle , RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ ENGINEER 2, Engineering , Seattle, Washington