What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Scientist - Fisheries position at Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute?
Postdoctoral Scientist
Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) is an exciting independent research institute that addresses critical challenges facing our oceans, human health, and the environment through innovative scientific research and education. Our expanding research strategy uses molecular and genomic technologies to address Marine Biomedical Discovery and Healthy Oceans and Fisheries. GMGI is looking for a postdoctoral scientist to contribute to our Fisheries Team by conducting pioneering research that will improve the quantitative value of environmental DNA (eDNA) data, an area of focus for the Institute.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in processing and analyzing eDNA samples, especially using metabarcoding, qPCR, and/or ddPCR. Experience in data analysis and modeling of eDNA data and knowledge of common molecular laboratory techniques is highly desirable.
This position will require strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams of collaborators from academic, federal, and state fisheries labs.
Responsibilities:
- Lead research projects related to improving quantitation of eDNA metabarcoding data
- Conduct laboratory work including eDNA metabarcoding and species-specific assays
- Bioinformatic analysis of sequence data to assign taxonomy to amplicon sequence variants
- Employ analytical and modeling approaches to correct sequence read counts to align with complementary fisheries collection data
- Organize and maintain a sample archive and database
- Clearly and efficiently communicate project results to a variety of audiences, including project collaborators and the general public
- Lead the publication of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present research findings at scientific conferences
- Contribute to grant proposals, institutional fund-raising activities and community outreach activities
- Mentor junior members of the team when appropriate
Qualifications:
- PhD in molecular biology, genomics, biology, fisheries science, or a related field
- Familiarity with the complete eDNA workflow from sample collection to data analysis/modeling and publication
- Experience with common eDNA molecular processing techniques such as eDNA extractions, PCR/qPCR/ddPCR, library preparation, and Illumina sequencing
- Knowledge of single-cell and/or whole-genome sequencing library preparation, unique molecular identifiers, and/or flow cytometry is desirable
- Experience generating and analyzing eDNA data including metabarcoding and species-specific assays
- Understanding of fisheries biology, management, and the stock assessment process
- Strong computational skills and experience with applying occupancy, Bayesian, or other statistical models to genomic data
- Proficient in High Performance Computing clusters, Linux environments, shell scripting, and applying Perl, Python, and R for biological data analysis Creative and inquisitive person eager to think outside the box
- Strong publication record representing innovative, high-quality research
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Demonstrated record of leadership, integrity, and adaptability
This position will report to the Fisheries Research Scientist.
It's our goal as an employer to provide an enriching and supportive environment for our employees. We are proud to offer a benefit package that includes:
- Health and Dental Insurance
- Medical and Dependent Flex Spending Accounts
- Long Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
- 12 Paid Holidays
Applicants must be authorized to work in the US.
About GMGI
Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) was launched in 2013 in the belief that the ocean represents a new source of opportunity. As a not-for-profit whose ambitious mission is to “address critical challenges facing our oceans, human health and the environment through innovative scientific research and education” GMGI is demonstrating that there is vast potential in marine science discovery powered by genomics.
GMGI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance and business need.
In addition to researching diversity in our oceans, GMGI is committed to supporting diversity in our workforce and classrooms. We know that having varied backgrounds and experiences stimulates discussion and new ideas. We are committed to taking action on diversity, equity, and inclusion through providing substantial training opportunities to increase our self-awareness as an organization, and building a team of staff and students from uniquely different backgrounds. Please visit our website for more information: www.gmgi.org