Experience Inc. Jobs

Req #: 235591

Department: DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

Posting Date: 07/01/2024

Closing Info: Closes On 07/15/2024

Salary: $4,649 - $9,465 per month

Shift: First Shift

Notes: 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. (https://hr.uw.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230119_a11y.pdf)

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.

The Department of Biology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/ Engineer 2.

The Center for Environmental Forensic Science (CEFS) in the Biology Department at the University of Washington is seeking a highly qualified research scientist who will participate in the genetics portions of our wildlife forensic and monitoring programs.

CEFS uses innovative field and laboratory techniques to non-invasively study and monitor a wide variety of wildlife populations around the world. Our primary forensic project uses microsatellite DNA fragment length and sequence analyses to identify the locations of major elephant poaching hotspots across Africa over time. We also use these tools to link transnational criminal organizations to multiple large ivory shipments. Our main wildlife monitoring program uses similar genetic tools to examine the impacts of wolf recovery on the distributions, diets, and microbiome of sympatric predators and prey in Washington state. To these ends, the Center works closely with state, federal and international governments, and non-government organizations. More information about our program please go to our webpage: http://cefs.uw.edu/ (http://conservationbiology.uw.edu/) .

POSITION PURPOSE:
The majority of the genetic work focuses on obtaining DNA from low-template sources, primarily scat and ivory, but also from tissue, hair, and pangolin scales. The wildlife monitoring project relies heavily on sample collection using detection dogs to cover large remote areas. We acquire a variety of complementary non-invasive measures from the same samples, in addition to DNA, including endocrine-based measures of reproductive health and physiological stress, toxicant and immune health measures, all of which are tied to environmental variation over space and time.

POSITION COMPLEXITIES AND IMPACT:
The person in this position will spend most of their time conducting DNA-based benchwork, data analysis and project documentation. We will also be increasing our emphasis on Next Generation Sequencing over time.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 50% lab work/bench work • DNA extraction of low template DNA, including fecal, hair, pangolin scales and ivory samples, as well as tissue and blood, in high throughput 96-well plate format • Conduct PCR for fragment analysis and amplicon sequencing library prep in high throughput 384-well plate format. • DNA quantification using fluorometers such as Qubit and TapeStation • Troubleshooting or optimizing lab protocols

20% data analysis • Conduct DNA sequence assembly of mtDNA (Sequencher), allele calling of STRs (GeneMarker), and analysis of Illumina sequencing data (OBITools, etc.) • Data management and data visualization

20% maintaining and organizing sample inventories • Maintain clear and concise records of laboratory work with a focus on maintaining chain of custody of forensic samples. • Adherence to the quality control, record keeping, organization and documentation of projects. • Consolidate and prepare samples and resulting products for long-term storage.

10% other tasks • Train and supervise undergraduate students. • Maintain clear and concise lab notes. • Maintain and organize sample inventories, lab cleanliness, and general lab maintenance. • Purchase supplies and monitor inventory. • Contribute to manuscript preparation (with potential for authorship and co-authorship).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 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: • Required skills include proficiency with DNA extraction, PCR, DNA quantifications. Experience working with large data sets and high-throughput DNA analyses. • Able to work collaboratively within a team environment as well as independently perform key functions of this role. • Excellent communication both written and verbal. • Excellent organizational skills with emphasis on accurate data reporting and analysis. • Ability to grasp new processes and develop proficiency in new areas of DNA analysis as required in lab activities tied to the Center’s core programs and deliverables.

DESIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
• Experience with MiSeq amplicon sequencing, R/Python/Bash programming and kinship analysis highly desired. • Experience with chain of custody, low-template samples, clean technique, and forensic procedures strongly preferred. • Experience with data management.

Application Process: 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 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.

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.