Genetic Laboratory Technician

State of Montana • Missoula, MT

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Genetics Lab Technician assists with the coordination and management of the FWP genetics program under the direction of the Genetic Program Manager and Wildlife Conservation Geneticist. The position is housed in the University of Montana Fish and Wildlife Genomics Lab (FWGL), and will work closely with other staff at the FWGL and FWP as part of a long-term cooperative agreement between FWP and the University of Montana. This position is responsible for coordinating the submission of FWP genetic samples to FWGL, molecular analysis of those samples, genetic data quality assurance, and entry of FWP metadata and genetic data into appropriate databases. This position will also work with FWGL staff to help ensure rapid sample turn around, sample tracking, lab maintenance, inventory and purchasing, curation of all biological samples (DNA and tissue, etc.), and cleaning and decontamination of lab equipment or spaces as needed. Among other tasks, this position will help develop the laboratory methods associated with terrestrial wildlife genetic monitoring in Montana, which in turn, will require expertise in, or desire to learn, non-invasive genetic methods.

Requirements

• Knowledge of genetic or genomic lab methodology is required.
• Prior experience working in a genetics lab and producing genotypic data, ideally for non-model organisms, required.
• Experience working with non-invasive genetic samples (e.g., scat, hair, etc.) is beneficial, and will be a required part of the position.
• The incumbent must be able to communicate in verbal and nonverbal ways.
• An ability to take diligent notes and catalogue and organize mass quantities of data while prioritizing what needs to be approved or examined by supervisory staff is very important.
• Critical organizational habits are essential for proper data collection, recording and coding for accurate tracking of each sample received.
• The incumbent must be able to follow precisely the instructions provided by the protocols and supervisory staff.
• This position must be able to work with others within a highly collaborative and cooperative environment.
• Self-motivation and work ethics are important for completing tasks when direct supervision may occasionally be limited.
• Good organizational and time management skills are needed as well as the ability to accurately collect and record data.
• Knowledge of computer applications such as word processing, excel spreadsheets, and database management are required.
• The ability to work without supervision is expected.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to work with other professional biologists, research assistants, and the public.
• Communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary.
• Organizational cataloguing skills are required.
• Clean and safe lab practices are essential.
• This positional will be responsible for numerous field staff in Montana, and sometimes beyond (including other states of Provinces), and will to disseminate information about sampling protocols, sample tracking, and basic genetic results routinely.
• The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a science or natural resource field and at least one year of work in a lab setting.

Nice To Haves

• Some experience with computer coding is highly beneficial, but not required.
• Experience with and a demonstrated skill in technical writing are preferred.
• Experience developing population genomic marker panels and performing library preparation is desired.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Process wildlife genetic samples (e.g., blood, hair, scat, or tissue) using specified, established genetic protocols.
• Help develop new genetic or genomic protocols and lab methods, as needed.
• Conduct basic data production (i.e., genotyping), QA/QC evaluation, and summarization of genetic samples using appropriate analysis pipelines or methods.
• Help maintain and enhance curation and organization of biological samples prior to, during, and after analysis.
• Prepares samples or DNA extract for shipping to other labs as needed.
• Work closely with staff at the FWGL on updating all lab protocols and SOP's. This also includes updating all lab forms and data submission pathways.
• Work closely with FWGL staff and the FWP Geneticists on lab infrastructure. Closely monitors lab capacity to ensure sample processing times fall within standard operating procedures.
• Coordinates with FWP field staff in the Fisheries and Wildlife Divisions, as well as other agencies/entities, receives sample shipments and logs them into the sample logging system. Following established protocols, prioritizes received shipments and places in the queue for processing at the FWGL. This position will communicate with partners and internal staff on the status and tracking of samples.
• Maintains accurate, detailed, and current sample records both in written and electronic formats.
• Records sample metadata and results into FWP and FWGL managed database.
• Ensures that all lab data is updated appropriately so FWP geneticists can create reports.
• Sterilizes or decontaminates lab equipment, which includes hot washing, autoclaving and occasionally using chemicals such as acetic acid and bleach. Performs routine cleaning of lab space and surfaces.
• Prepares reagents following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.
• Operates and maintains lab equipment and maintains lab supply inventory. This position is responsible for the procurement of minor equipment and supplies for the FWGL, and works with the Genetics Program Manager on lab budget.
• Assist Geneticists with summarizing data and writing annual reports. May assist with some aspects of reporting genetic results to FWP staff or other agency partners, via email or formal written reports.

Benefits

• Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance.
• Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays.
• This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees