Molecular Lab Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY

Conducts professional level molecular laboratory and field based biological research including project development and study design, data collection, data analysis, report writing and review. Manages day-to-day laboratory operations, including ordering equipment and supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety within the lab. Additionally, provides technical support to internal and regional commercial salmon harvest planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation based on knowledge and application of statistical methodologies.   

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position.

1. Participates in a wide range of laboratory and field research projects working both independently and as part of a team on all project aspects from design and development to data collection, analysis, and report writing
2. 1. Coordinates and provides lab supervision for technicians assigned to conduct lab work and collect data
   2. Organizes and conducts molecular laboratory-based research often working with technicians assigned to collect data
   3. Processes data and develops and implements data analyses using statistical software such as R and associated packages or other programs
   4. Proposes, develops, and implements independent research projects within or outside primary research projects
   5. Actively works to expand quantitative skill set
   6. Writes and reviews technical reports, project summaries, post-season reports, annual management reports, etc.
3. Provides technical assistance in the development of annual project budgets, recommends budget modifications, and determines project needs.2Participates in internal and regional management fora and provides technical assistance in resolving complex fisheries management issues that are subject to controversy
4. Coordinates, instructs, develops, evaluates, and conducts biological fisheries monitoring, sampling, and surveys
5. 1. Collects, reviews, and analyzes commercial and sport fisheries harvest data and statistical reports
   2. Provides technical assistance in the formulation of plans and/or regulations for salmon harvest, and implements those management plans
   3. Performs in-season analysis of harvest data for all salmon stocks
6. Because of the Tribe's commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

EDUCATION - EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION

Required:

• Ph.D. in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, or directly related field from an accredited college or university with a minimum of, or supplemented by 4 semester hours (6 quarter hours) of upper level (500 or higher) science courses in subjects such as molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, ecology, conservation, resource management, habitat restoration, limnology, biology, etc., and 6 semester (9 quarter) hours of research design, statistics, sampling theory, multivariate or longitudinal data analysis, ecological modeling, etc. (course numbers 400 or higher).

OR

• Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or directly related field from an accredited college or university with a minimum of, or supplemented by 4 semester hours (6 quarter hours) of upper level (500 or higher) science courses in subjects such as molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, ecology, conservation, resource management, habitat restoration, limnology, biology etc., and 6 semester (9 quarter) hours of research design, statistics, sampling theory, multivariate or longitudinal data analysis, ecological modeling, etc. (course numbers 400 or higher)
• Three (3) years of experience developing and implementing molecular, biochemical, or ecological research projects. A master’s thesis including both field-based or lab-based and quantitative components may stand in for two (2) years of experience.

Special Requirement:

• The candidate must have experience in laboratory research and be familiar with molecular techniques such as, DNA extraction, PCR, or qPCR etc., and be comfortable completing these tasks independently.
• The candidate must have the ability to interact and communicate effectively with scientists across multiple agencies in both verbal and written capacities, and have experience leading diverse field crews to achieve project objectives.
• The candidate must be a proficient user of statistical software, such as R, and be willing and able to continue expanding their quantitative skillset.
• Transcripts and a writing sample (preferably a thesis/dissertation or peer-reviewed publication as primary author) are required from applicants selected for interview as part of the application process.

SPECIFIC SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR POSITION

Skills:

• Strong organization skills and ability to self-manage projects and coordinate several activities at once

Ability:

• Ability to manage diverse support staff and effectively resolve conflicts
• Ability to develop and conduct biological studies, to define data needs, collect appropriate data, and compile that data for use by other fisheries professionals
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing to interpret, explain, and compose technical information into clear, concise documents or presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work effectively in adverse weather conditions, overnight, and on a variable schedule

Knowledge:

• Understanding of Tribal Treaty Rights, particularly pertaining to salmon harvest
•  General knowledge of pacific salmon ecology and life history, and principles and challenges of salmon management in urbanized systems
• Knowledge of molecular biological techniques, especially as applicable to ecological and fisheries research, and ability to use standard computer software, such as R, to analyze data

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 80 pounds.  Work is performed outdoors and in an office setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions.  The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear; and occasionally bend or crouch. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, and toxic chemicals.  Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.   

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is a federally recognized Indian tribe whose membership is composed of descendants of the Duwamish and Upper Puyallup people who inhabited Central Puget Sound for thousands of years before non-Indian settlement. The Tribe’s name is derived from the native name for the prairie on which the Muckleshoot Reservation was established. Following the Reservation’s establishment in 1857, the Tribe and its members came to be known as Muckleshoot, rather than by the historic tribal names of their Duwamish and Upper Puyallup ancestors. Today, the United States recognizes the Muckleshoot Tribe as a tribal successor to the Duwamish and Upper Puyallup bands from which the Tribe’s membership descends.