Fishery Biologist 2- PostDoc Green Crab eDNA Research

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission • Seattle, WA

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About The Position

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is hiring a Fisheries Biologist 2, postdoctoral researcher, to work with the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center on green crab environmental DNA (eDNA) research. This full-time, benefits-eligible position is expected to start January 4, 2027, lasts two years, and has an expected schedule of 40 hours per week.

European green crabs are a recently established marine invader on the west coast of North America. Resource managers currently rely on trapping and molt surveys for biosurveillance and early detection. The research will develop and refine eDNA methods to complement existing approaches and strengthen biosurveillance programs. It will identify sampling strategies that maximize detection probabilities, apply those findings to effective survey design, and clarify how survey results can inform management decisions. The research addresses the challenges of detecting a hard-shelled crustacean that sheds relatively little eDNA and inhabits diverse, dynamic environments.

The researcher will use eDNA and modeling approaches to evaluate green crab densities and trap catch-per-unit-effort, environmental effects, spatial sampling strategies, and sampling effort. Other relevant research considerations may also be pursued. The incumbent may additionally contribute to DNA-based studies evaluating light traps or other methods for capturing green crab larvae for early detection.

The role involves study design and oversight with the USGS Principal Investigator; coordination with field teams; participation in field sampling along the Washington Coast, Hood Canal, and Puget Sound; analysis and interpretation of data; and communication of findings to scientific and stakeholder audiences. Depending on capacity and workload, the researcher may assist with laboratory sample processing. The position requires the ability to drive an automobile.

The posting also describes the broader Fishery Biologist work band. Duties across that band may include biological research and data analysis, database and GIS work, survey planning, technical reports and publications, presentations, and collaboration with fishery management organizations. The position’s work may include office, laboratory, and field settings. Field conditions can include varied weather, uneven or slippery terrain, water, and other outdoor hazards; laboratory work may involve odors, chemicals, fish blood, and molds, with safety precautions required.

Requirements

• PhD; the posting prefers a degree in molecular biology, fisheries, wildlife, marine ecology, or a related field.
• Ability to drive an automobile.

Nice To Haves

• Experience executing and interpreting occupancy models, preferably evaluating eDNA data.
• Experience integrating ecological field data with molecular data and interpreting results.
• Proficiency in R for statistical modeling and data visualization.
• Experience evaluating eDNA through quantitative PCR, digital PCR, or environmental metabarcoding.
• Experience with 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 with 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 while ensuring adherence to study design, sample integrity, and proper documentation.
• Participate in field work collecting eDNA samples along the Washington Coast, in Hood Canal, and in Puget Sound, Washington.
• Interpret research results with strong analytical rigor.
• Analyze complex datasets using eDNA-based occupancy modeling methods.
• Conduct sensitivity analyses to evaluate how environmental factors affect 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.
• Potentially participate in DNA-based studies assessing light traps or other methods for capturing green crab larvae for early detection.
• Be able to drive an automobile.

Benefits

• Benefits-eligible position

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree