The Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies (CICOES) is searching for a student to contribute to research on climate change impacts on marine mammal, fish, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and microbial ecology. This position will provide experience in standard sterile molecular techniques, next generation sequencing, molecular ecology, and biological oceanography. In addition, this position will provide first-hand experience working at a federal research lab and including learning about the many potential career trajectories within NOAA and the federal government broadly. The worksite will be NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) with the Genetic & Genomics Group. Salary is commensurate with experience and approved at $19-$25/ hour. The position is posted on the UW Workstudy page and I have attached the job description above (see below). We are looking to have the student start within the next 2 months. Interested students can email their resume and cover letter to Shannon Brown at sdbrown8@uw.edu.

Work Study Job Description

NATURE OF ORGANIZATION

The Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean and Ecosystem Studies (CICOES) supports educational and diversity outreach with the goal of promoting environmental literacy among students and the general public, and creating a future workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation. CICOES exists to foster a research collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Washington. NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) is a federal laboratory that makes critical observations and conducts research to advance our knowledge of the global ocean. The NOAA PMEL ‘Omics Program seeks to survey, describe, and understand oceanic biological community response to oceanographic parameters. We use molecular ecology methods including eDNA, targeted metagenomics, whole genome sequencing, and transcriptomics approaches to identify, quantify, and assess communities of invertebrates and fishes over their ranges, time, and life histories.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties will be varied but can include general lab maintenance, such as dishwashing, solution making, sample transfer, and preparation of field gear, etc. Assisting with ongoing projects and other duties as assigned. The research assistant is also expected to learn and help out with basic laboratory techniques, such as tissue processing, DNA extractions, next-generation sequencing library preparation, quantitative PCR assays, etc. The research assistant is expected to participate in weekly lab meetings and join discussion on research projects.

Based on the performance, the research assistant may join one of the research projects and contribute to publications. Can work between the office hours of 9 am to 5 pm.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Employee will be a current UW student who has been awarded a Work Study for the 2022-2023 Academic Year. We encourage students interested in longer-term employment through 2024 to apply, and if interested, we are open to increasing paid hours over the summer months (summer 2023 work study eligibility will depend on 23-24 FAFSA – be sure to check in with Work Study Office on Eligibility). Must be proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel, email applications, creating PDF files, using a scanner. You will be working with numbers so accuracy and detail are required, as is confidentiality. Proficiency in the English language is needed. 1. Work study student, 2. Strong interest in gaining molecular lab experience including using pipettors, making solutions, etc., 3. Ideal candidates will have experience with molecular biology techniques, but not required, 4. Works well with an integrative lab team but can also work well independently, 5. Good time management and writing skills, 6. Computer savvy, experience with Google or Microsoft Office Suite is preferred, 7. Good with troubleshooting, 8. Ability to handle multiple tasks at a time, 9. Organizational skills and attention to detail. 10. Ideal candidates will be able to work 12-15 hours per week. Federal background check will be required.

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

This position will contribute to research conducted in collaboration with University of Washington – Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies (CICOES) on climate change impacts on marine mammal, fish, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and microbial ecology. This position will provide experience in standard sterile molecular techniques, next generation sequencing, molecular ecology, and biological oceanography. In addition, this position will provide first-hand experience working at a federal research lab and including learning about the many potential career trajectories within NOAA and the federal government broadly. Expected outcomes 1. Strong molecular skills including the ability to independently conduct any step of next generation sequencing techniques and experience utilizing advanced analytical instrumentation, 2. Experience working in a federal facility and knowledge of potential federal career trajectories, 3. Ideally, the student will be a co-author on a scientific publication resulting from an ongoing project.

HOW TO APPLY

Email your resume and cover letter to sdbrown8@uw.edu.