Fishery Biologist 2- PostDoc Green Crab eDNA Research
About The Position
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting a full-time, benefits-eligible Fisheries Biologist 2 postdoctoral researcher to work with the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center on green crab environmental DNA (eDNA) research. The position is expected to start January 4, 2027, and last two years, with a 40-hour workweek. The research aims to develop and refine eDNA methods that complement existing early-detection approaches for European green crab, an established marine invader on the west coast of North America. The researcher will investigate sampling strategies that maximize detection probabilities, help design effective surveys, and clarify how survey results can inform management decisions. Research may evaluate green crab densities and trap catch-per-unit effort, environmental effects, spatial sampling strategies, and sampling effort using eDNA and modeling approaches. The researcher may also contribute to DNA-based studies of light traps or other methods for capturing green crab larvae. The role combines study design and oversight, coordination and participation in field sampling, analytical modeling, and communication of findings. Field sampling will take place along the Washington Coast and in Hood Canal and Puget Sound. The position may also involve laboratory sample processing. The employee must be able to drive an automobile and meet the stated swimming, GPS, and driver's license requirements.
Requirements
- PhD; preferably in molecular biology, fisheries, wildlife, marine ecology, or a related field.
- Ability to swim.
- Ability to operate GPS.
- Valid driver's license.
- Oral communication skills.
- Written communication skills.
- Knowledge of fishery biology, microbiology, aquatic habitats, the scientific method, and sampling protocols.
- Knowledge of technical writing protocols and advanced statistical analysis and mathematics.
- Knowledge of Windows-based computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, publishing and presentation software, database software, topographic software, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.
- Proficiency with spreadsheet, word-processing, database-management, GIS, statistical-analysis, behavioral-analysis, and bibliographic software.
Nice To Haves
- Experience executing and interpreting occupancy models, preferably evaluating eDNA data.
- Experience integrating ecological field data with molecular data streams and interpreting results.
- Proficiency in R for statistical modeling and data visualization.
- Experience evaluating eDNA through quantitative PCR, digital PCR, or environmental metabarcoding.
- Field sampling and chain-of-custody handling for environmental samples.
- Experience validating assays against field data.
- Experience working alongside field teams.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multi-agency teams and communicate with non-specialist audiences.
- A record of peer-reviewed publications.
- Experience in field navigation and spatial data collection using GPS.
Responsibilities
- Work with the USGS Principal Investigator on study design and oversight.
- Coordinate with field teams to plan and carry out sampling, ensuring adherence to study design, sample integrity, and proper documentation.
- Participate in fieldwork collecting eDNA samples along the Washington Coast and in Hood Canal and Puget Sound, Washington.
- Interpret results with strong analytical rigor.
- Analyze complex datasets using eDNA-based occupancy modeling methods.
- Conduct sensitivity analyses to evaluate how environmental factors influence eDNA detection probabilities.
- Communicate findings through peer-reviewed publications, reports, and presentations for scientific and stakeholder audiences.
- Maintain high standards of data management, reproducibility, and record keeping in accordance with responsible conduct of research.
- Assist with laboratory sample processing depending on capacity and workload.
- Drive an automobile as required.
Benefits
- Benefits-eligible position.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
