Wildlife Genetics Data Tech (Part Time)

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Genomic, eDNA and Laboratory Research:

• Coordinate and conduct wildlife genetics and eDNA laboratory workflows.
• Process biological samples and prepare materials for genetic and genomic analyses.
• Assist with development, validation, and implementation of genetic and genomic assays.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and follow QA/QC, safety, and contamination-prevention protocols.

Fieldwork and Sample Collection:

• Lead and conduct eDNA and biological sample collection in rugged and remote field environments.
• Deploy, maintain, and retrieve field equipment.
• Ensure adherence to field safety protocols and data quality standards.
• Operate 4x4 vehicles in challenging terrain and support logistics for multi-day field efforts.

Data Management, Analysis, and Bioinformatics:

• Manage and organize field and laboratory datasets.
• Run bioinformatics and analytical pipelines using high-performance computing (HPC) systems.
• Conduct preliminary data analysis and support interpretation for research and management needs.
• Maintain documentation to support reproducibility and data sharing.

Leadership and Community Sciences:

• Provide field and laboratory leadership for Citizen Scientists and volunteers.
• Train participants in sampling protocols, safety procedures, and data quality practices.
• Support coordination with agency partners and community stakeholders.
• Assist with outreach events and public-facing education initiatives.

Program Support and Communications:

• Assist with project coordination and internal communication.
• Support updates to project website and social media platforms.
• Contribute to reports, summaries, and other project deliverables.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a larger collaborative team.
• Strong understanding of molecular techniques, contamination protocol, and sample management.
• Ability to run and troubleshoot laboratory protocols independently.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools and methods used for genomic metaboarding, and eDNA analyses.
• Ability to run computational workflows on high-performance computing (HPC) systems, including job submission, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to manage, organize, and analyze large genomic datasets using common programming language (e.g., R, Python) and command-line tools.
• Ability to communicate scientific information clearly to a range of audiences, including Citizen Scientists, agency partners, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to work in outdoor field conditions and participate in field sampling events.
  
  

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• High School Diploma or high school equivalency.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive according to
  the University Fleet Safety Policy, ability to operate a 4x4 vehicle in challenging terrain.

• Experience in wildlife research, GIS, environmental monitoring, or related applied work.
• Experience in molecular laboratory workflows, including DNA/RNA extraction from a variety of samples (e.g., fecal, tissue, water, soil, etc.), PCR and qPCR assay design, optimization, and troubleshooting, as well as library preparation for next-generation sequencing.
• Experience with field sampling, or environmental sample collection.
• Experience with eDNA sample processing and contamination-prevention workflows.
• Experience with bioinformatics, including experience using high-performance computing (HPC) environments to run genomic and eDNA pipelines.
• Experience engaging with the public, Citizen Science groups, volunteers, or similar community-facing programs.
• Fieldwork experience in rugged or remote terrain.