Aquatic eDNA Applications Scientist / Project Lead

Position Overview

Jonah Ventures is seeking an Aquatic eDNA Applications Scientist / Project Lead to support and expand our client-facing eDNA services. This role integrates molecular expertise, project management, and client engagement. The successful candidate will work directly with clients to design and execute aquatic eDNA projects, guide data interpretation, and contribute to the development of new applications and services.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Client Engagement

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients conducting aquatic eDNA projects
• Translate client goals into effective eDNA study designs and service offerings
• Manage larger projects from initiation through completion, including scope, timelines, budgets, and deliverables
• Coordinate across internal teams (laboratory, bioinformatics, reporting) to ensure high-quality and timely execution
• Lead client meetings, provide updates, and ensure clear communication throughout project lifecycles
• Oversee project logistics, including documentation, reporting, and invoicing

Data Review & Scientific Oversight

• Work with team to review, interpret, and ensure quality of qPCR and metabarcoding data outputs
• Apply rigorous QA/QC standards to ensure defensible and reliable results
• Support synthesis of results into clear, actionable insights for clients
• Maintain awareness of full eDNA workflow, from sample collection through sequencing and analysis

Scientific Communication & Outreach

• Prepare technical reports and summaries for diverse audiences
• Deliver workshops, trainings, and in-service presentations
• Contribute to proposals, technical documents, and client-facing materials
• Represent Jonah Ventures in technical discussions with clients and partners

Method Development & Strategy

• Support development, optimization, and validation of qPCR, metabarcoding, and targeted capture assays
• Contribute to improving internal workflows and analytical approaches
• Stay current with emerging eDNA technologies and applications
• Help shape aquatic eDNA strategy and expand service offerings at Jonah Ventures
• Contribute to scientific publications on novel techniques and applications

Qualifications

Required:

• M.S. or Ph.D. (preferred) in molecular ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field
• Experience with aquatic eDNA applications
• Hands-on experience with qPCR and/or metabarcoding workflows
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred:

• Experience working with external clients or collaborators
• Familiarity with metabarcoding bioinformatics pipelines
• Experience managing scientific or environmental projects
• Track record of scientific publications
• Experience delivering trainings or presentations

Key Skills

• Project management and coordination
• Client engagement and scientific communication
• Molecular techniques (qPCR, sequencing-based approaches)
• Data interpretation and quality assurance
• Strategic thinking in applied eDNA solutions

About Jonah Ventures

Jonah Ventures is a leader in environmental DNA (eDNA) services, delivering innovative molecular tools for ecosystem monitoring. We partner with clients across government, academia, and industry to design and implement eDNA solutions that generate high-quality, actionable data for research, conservation, and management.

Why Join Jonah Ventures?

• Work at the forefront of eDNA innovation
• Collaborate with a diverse range of clients and ecosystems
• Opportunity to shape emerging tools and applications in environmental monitoring
• Dynamic, science-driven team environment