Laboratory Technician

Full Time
Seattle, WA 98195
$5,000 - $6,250 a month
Posted Today
Job description
Benefits:
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.


The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the Nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. UW is in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, with a dynamic, multicultural community of 3.7 million people and a range of ecosystems from mountains to ocean. The UW serves a diverse population of 80,000 students, faculty and staff including 25% first-generation college students, over 25% Pell Grant students and faculty from over 70 countries. The UW is a recipient of a National Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award to increase the advancement of women in science, engineering, and math (see https://advance.washington.edu/).

The Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies (CICOES) has existed since 1977 for the purpose of fostering research collaboration between UW and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). CICOES’s research is at the forefront of investigations on climate change, ocean acidification, fisheries assessments, and tsunami forecasting.

The impact of CICOES’s environmental research is felt by communities all over the world, and a broad variety of perspectives and life experiences is essential to the success of this research. We encourage candidates from groups historically and currently underrepresented in this field to apply. Please read about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion here.

CICOES has an outstanding opportunity for a ‘Omics Lab Technician position. This position will contribute to research conducted in collaboration with University of Washington –Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, & Ecosystem Studies (CICOES) on climate change impacts on marine mammal, fish, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and microbial ecology. The ideal candidate will have analytical molecular biology experience including DNA extractions and next generation sequencing and library preparation.

This CICOES/UW employee will work in the ‘Omics Lab at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, Sand Point in Seattle with Dr. David Butterfield (CICOES/UW) and Dr. Zachary Gold (NOAA PMEL) and other colleagues. The ‘Omics lab uses next-generation sequencing techniques such as multi-locus metabarcoding, whole genome sequencing, transcriptomics, and mitogenome skimming to study oceanic biological community diversity and their responses to rapidly changing ocean conditions. Component species and population genetic relationships for phytoplankton, invertebrates and fishes are identified and assessed using environmental DNA (eDNA), bulk metabarcoding, and whole organisms collected with CTD casts, plankton tows, ROVs, and sediment cores. Study regions include coastal and open ocean waters of the Pacific and Arctic. The broad goal of the work is to characterize and understand marine organism and ecosystem responses to warming, ocean acidification, and hypoxia using environmental DNA and next-generation sequencing data collection and analysis.

This position is focused on laboratory work for sample preparation, DNA extraction, PCR, and communication with external labs for sequencing. The primary responsibilities for this position include conducting analytical molecular bench work, organizing and archiving samples, maintaining lab equipment, ordering supplies, maintaining a clean lab space, identifying problems with quality control, and trouble-shooting. Secondary responsibilities include assisting with preparation of proposals and manuscripts and creating graphical representations of data.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform various molecular biology techniques including quantitative PCR, High-throughput Sequencing library preparation (e.g., metabarcoding, mitogenomes, whole genome sequencing), DNA/RNA extractions. 50%

  • Maintain laboratory equipment, cleanliness, sterilization, buffer preparation, etc. Inventory and order supplies. 15%

  • Interpret results and maintain complete and accurate records of experiments conducted and data obtained in a laboratory notebook and in computer databases. 10%

  • Prepare materials for at-sea experiments and sampling of marine microbes, plankton, fishes and invertebrates. 10%

  • Train and help oversee graduate and undergraduate student researchers in conducting molecular biology experiments, when specified by the PI. 10%

  • Assist with grant-related paperwork, data analyses, literature reviews and preparation of manuscripts and presentations. 5%


  • MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, marine science, or related field.

  • Minimum of one year job-related experience (Supervised undergraduate research experiences count towards this requirement).


  • Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

    ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Working knowledge of molecular biology and sterile laboratory techniques, including PCR, DNA extraction, next-generation DNA sequencing

  • Strong organizational skills. Excellent interpersonal communication skills (oral and written)

  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

  • Careful attention to detail and record keeping

  • Experience with MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel or equivalent


  • DESIRED:

  • Preference for genetics and molecular biology coursework and data analysis experience, with experience in genomics and genetics laboratory approaches, high-throughput sequencing and qPCR/ddPCR.

  • Courses or background in molecular biology, genetics, systematic biology and taxonomy, microbiology, invertebrate zoology, ichthyology, marine biology/oceanography

  • Ability to produce high-quality graphical presentations of data with Adobe Illustrator or other software

  • Master’s degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, marine science, or related field


  • 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.

    Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

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

    To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

    Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

    COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

    Employees of the University of Washington are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination. View the Final candidate guide to COVID-19 vaccination requirement webpage for information about the medical or religious exemption process for final candidates.

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