Molecular Fisheries Scientist

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe•Auburn, WA

6h•$94,034 - $150,458•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
Experience in laboratory research and familiarity with molecular techniques such as, DNA extraction, PCR, or qPCR etc., and ability to complete these tasks independently.
Ability to interact and communicate effectively with scientists across multiple agencies in both verbal and written capacities.
Experience leading diverse field crews to achieve project objectives.
Proficient user of statistical software, such as R.
Willing and able to continue expanding quantitative skillset.
Strong organization skills and ability to self-manage projects and coordinate several activities at once
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
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
Ability to use standard computer software, such as R, to analyze data

Responsibilities

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
Coordinates and provides lab supervision for technicians assigned to conduct lab work and collect data
Organizes and conducts molecular laboratory-based research often working with technicians assigned to collect data
Processes data and develops and implements data analyses using statistical software such as R and associated packages or other programs
Proposes, develops, and implements independent research projects within or outside primary research projects
Actively works to expand quantitative skill set
Writes and reviews technical reports, project summaries, post-season reports, annual management reports, etc.
Provides technical assistance in the development of annual project budgets, recommends budget modifications, and determines project needs.
Participates in internal and regional management fora and provides technical assistance in resolving complex fisheries management issues that are subject to controversy
Coordinates, instructs, develops, evaluates, and conducts biological fisheries monitoring, sampling, and surveys
Collects, reviews, and analyzes commercial and sport fisheries harvest data and statistical reports
Provides technical assistance in the formulation of plans and/or regulations for salmon harvest, and implements those management plans
Performs in-season analysis of harvest data for all salmon stocks
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.