Assistant Specialist- Schreier

The Genomic Variation Laboratory (GVL) in the Department of Animal Science seeks an Assistant Specialist with expertise in environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding experience to assist with the development of a multi-trophic eDNA monitoring program in the Yolo Bypass. The candidate will develop a fish eDNA metabarcoding protocol, train geneticists at the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Genetics Monitoring Laboratory to perform the protocol, perform statistical analyses on eDNA metabarcoding data, and assist DWR scientists with phytoplankton and zooplankton eDNA metabarcoding, as needed. The candidate will perform eDNA metabarcoding on samples collected alongside various field gears used in the Yolo Bypass Fish Monitoring Program and conduct analyses to evaluate the relationship between read abundance and fish abundance or biomass as estimated by field gears. The candidate will also participate in preparation of conference presentations, reports, and manuscripts stemming from these projects.

Research 95%

The Assistant Specialist will be working primarily in the GVL's or DWR's clean labs and must perform decontamination protocols as needed. The candidate will extract eDNA collected by various means (equipment, filter types, etc), perform inhibitor removal, prepare metabarcoding sequence libraries, submit libraries for sequencing at the UC Davis DNA Technologies and Expression Analysis Core, and filter/analyze resulting sequence reads. The candidate must have proficiency in computational and statistical methods for processing and analyzing eDNA metabarcoding data (e.g. direct recent experience with programs/R packages like Cutadapt, MultiQC, DADA2, phyloseq, vegan, and ggplot2, and experience analyzing eDNA metabarcoding data for fish species richness indices, NMDS, and PERMANOVA). Experience with quantitative PCR on eDNA samples, CRISPR-based genetic detection methods, and knowledge of San Francisco Bay Delta ecology is preferred.

The candidate will occasionally be working in the field with DWR scientists, collecting and filtering water samples to isolate eDNA. Familiarity with boat safety and prior experience with sterile sample collection procedures is preferred.

The candidate will also work alongside the GVL lab manager to order supplies, as needed, curate incoming eDNA samples, ensure safety protocols are upheld, and maintain the lab's chemical inventory. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. The candidate will attend and contribute to the weekly GVL lab meeting when it does not conflict with fieldwork.

University and Public Service 5%

The Assistant Specialist will have the opportunity to mentor undergraduate students interested in learning eDNA metabarcoding techniques. They may also elect to participate in the GVL Picnic Day exhibit. The candidate may also be asked to train visiting scholars, graduate students, staff, and volunteers in laboratory procedures.

Master's degree in Genetics, Ecology or related field

Prior experience in eDNA sample collection.

Prior experience extracting eDNA and preparing eDNA metabarcoding libraries in a clean lab environment, including PCR troubleshooting, gel electrophoresis, bead-based DNA clean up methods, and fluorescence-based DNA concentration measurement methods.

Prior experience with bioinformatics methods for eDNA metabarcoding data.

Prior experience collaborating with government scientists.

Valid driver's license.

Ability to conduct research independently or in a team.

Strong written verbal and communication skills.

Demonstrated experience multitasking and fluidly switching between projects.

Prior experience working in a clean laboratory environment

Prior experience developing laboratory protocols

Knowledge of San Francisco Bay Delta aquatic ecology

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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