What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate I - eDNA Service position at Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute?
The Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) is an exciting independent research institute that is addressing critical challenges facing our oceans, human health, and the environment through innovative scientific research and education. Our research strategy uses molecular and genomic technologies to address questions related to Oceans and Human Health in two divisions (1) Marine Biomedical Discovery and (2) Healthy Oceans and Fisheries. GMGI is looking for a highly motivated Research Associate who will play an important role in contributing to our eDNA Service Lab within the Healthy Oceans and Fisheries Division.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in molecular biology/ecology applied to fisheries and knowledge of common molecular laboratory techniques and data analysis. The candidate must be capable of working independently to design experiments, generate high quality data, and analyze results for a variety of projects directed by GMGI research staff. Experience with eDNA is highly desirable. This position is an extraordinary opportunity for an ambitious and entrepreneurial person who is interested in helping to contribute to a world-class research institute.
Responsibilities
- Design and execute experiments using molecular biology/genomics techniques
- Perform DNA/RNA isolations and quantification, PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, ddPCR
- Prepare libraries and run Illumina next-generation sequencing
- Conduct eDNA metabarcoding and species presence/absence assays
- Apply knowledge of experimental design, bioinformatics, and statistics to analyze results
- Participate in field collections for eDNA samples, including tissue dissection and processing
- Organize, process, and archive field and lab samples following established protocols
- Prepare client-facing reports and scientific communications (presentations, manuscripts, etc)
- Communication with clients via email and meetings to provide updates, answer questions, and ensure project success.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, marine biology, or related discipline
- Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques including qPCR, RT-qPCR, and Next-Generation Sequencing
- Experience working with genomics instruments and laboratory automation tools
- Demonstrated ability to plan and carry out experiments independently
- Familiarity with the command line interface, Linux, and R; hands-on experience in analyzing metabarcoding data
- Strong scientific writing and documentation skills
- Excellent verbal communication skills and comfort working in a team setting and with clients
- Commitment to scientific integrity and rigorous data quality standards; willingness to troubleshoot
- Adaptability and initiative in a fast-paced, start-up and research-driven environment
- Enthusiasm and commitment to GMGI’s mission for science and education
- Self-starting, independent, creative thinker with strong problem-solving skills
This position will report to the eDNA Service Platform Manager.
Salary commensurate with experience.
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 in building a team of staff and students from uniquely different backgrounds. Please visit our website for more information: www.gmgi.org