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Laboratory of Holly Ernest

Lab technician opening for Fall 2019: Wildlife Population Genomics and Disease Ecology

Lab technician opening for Fall 2019: Wildlife Population Genomics and Disease Ecology

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Laboratory Assistant Technician, UWyo Position # 19003493
WILDLIFE GENOMICS, POPULATION GENETICS, and DISEASE ECOLOGY

 

A laboratory assistant technician position is available to assist research in wildlife population genetics & genomics. The position will be lab-based within the Ernest Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory in the Department of Veterinary Sciences which has affiliations with the University of Wyoming (UW) Graduate Program in Ecology.


*Apply as soon as possible, applications will be reviewed as they are received.  See instructions below*

To apply for this position and for more info please submit an online application for Position # 19003493: at https://uwyo.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=19003493&lang=en#.XYqmntXJ02g.mailto or click “academic job listings” here, http://www.uwyo.edu/hr/prospective/index.html then click on the job ID 19003493.

The technician will be responsible for assisting the lab manager/lead technician and other lab members with genetics lab work and computer-based tasks. Lab work will include processing animal tissue, fecal and blood samples, DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, reagent processing, regular maintenance and care of lab and lab equipment, maintaining lab safety procedures, and more.  Computer-based tasks may include data entry, processing DNA sequence and microsatellite data, assisting lab manager with lab management tasks (such as maintaining, stocking and ordering lab supplies), etc.

Lab work will involve assisting lab members prepare genomic libraries for next generation sequencing (NGS), microsatellite analysis, DNA Sanger sequencing to assist lab members who are examining landscape-level genetic diversity, population structure, and population health/disease of wildlife species in the Rocky Mountain West and California. Projects will involve species of current focus in our lab including carnivores (mountain lion, bear, otters), ungulates (deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, etc), and birds (hummingbirds). Responsibilities may also include contributing to data analysis, manuscript writing for peer-reviewed publication, grant-writing, and development of oral and poster presentations of research.

The Ernest Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory http://www.wildlifegenetichealth.org/ is a dynamic and highly collaborative lab at UW.  We work with other academic institutions, as well as state, federal, and non-governmental agencies toward wildlife conservation and management. There are many opportunities to work with recognized leaders who apply excellence in science toward wildlife conservation and management. Quality mentorship of trainees of all educational levels is a priority for the laboratory. University of Wyoming hosts excellent wildlife and ecology science and a collegial academic atmosphere. Laramie is a wonderful college town of ~ 30,000 and offers easy access to the Rocky Mountains and outdoor activities including skiing, hiking, climbing, birding, and fishing & hunting.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

  1. A BS in wildlife biology, ecology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or related field; and lab bench work that involved laboratory in animal, microbial, or plant DNA. (required)
  2. Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in laboratory sample preparation for DNA analysis and archiving, DNA extraction, PCR, excellent pipetting and laboratory fluid handling skills for large (liters) and small (1 microliter, for example) volumes. (required)
  3. Demonstrated ability to use software to analyze molecular data such as genotyping data and DNA sequences (required)
  4. Documented research laboratory notebook and computer file organization skills and abilities. (required)
  5. Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities with Excel, Word, and Powerpoint, as well as data sets involving sample information (required)
  6. Documented course-work, lab work, or field work experience in, and interest in applied conservation-oriented research in wildlife genetics, non-invasive DNA analysis, population genomics, and ecology of wildlife. (required)
  7. Demonstrated track record of collegiality, interpersonal skills, communication, creative leadership and problem-solving abilities that promote a positive team work atmosphere. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in teams, and ability to respond and adjust to difficult situations. Demonstrated ability to work with and communicate with wide diversity of personalities. (required)
  8. Demonstrated ability to work or travel occasionally (up to a 2-3 times a year) for periods of time (such as a few days or up to a week) and may include weekends, holidays, and evenings; and hold a valid US driver’s license and will be willing to use one’s own personal car for occasional work tasks. (required).
  9. Demonstrated: ability to read and interpret small print (<8 point font) and subtle visual differences such as in data readouts; ability to lift of objects up to 30 pounds; to either already have a current rabies vaccination, or willing to undergo a rabies vaccination series (if needed for work with certain animal samples). (required)

Desired but not required qualifications. List and provide details in your application of your skills or experience:

  1. Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in laboratory work and genotyping data analysis of microsatellite DNA. (preferred)
  2. Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in laboratory techniques and sequence data processing for Sanger DNA sequence data (such as sequencing mitochondrial DNA or genes). (preferred)
  3. Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in laboratory techniques in DNA from trace or non-invasive samples (fecal, hair, e-DNA, etc.), and DNA; working knowledge of DNA capillary gel electrophoresis. (preferred).
  4. Experience with lab management and/or lab upkeep including: equipment maintenance, lab safety regulations, creating and organization of standard operating procedures, ordering reagents/supplies, lab financial budgeting, guiding and helping with lab activities of other lab members and undergraduate interns, etc. (preferred)
  5. An MS in wildlife biology, ecology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or related field; and with graduate work that involved laboratory and data analysis in wildlife population genetics or genomics. (preferred)
  6. Next Generation Sequencing DNA library preparation and construction techniques and equipment (such as dd-RAD techniques, Pippen size selection, DNA fragment analyzer, etc.), and next generation sequencing (NGS; Illumina or similar) data. (preferred).
  7. Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in laboratory techniques in whole genome, nanopore, PacBio, SNPs, or INDELs (preferred)
  8. Demonstrated skills, knowledge, and ability with population genetics software and genotype (microsatellite data analysis; R statistical software environment. (preferred)
  9. Experience with wildlife field work that involved repeated handling of free-ranging wildlife animals in challenging environmental conditions. (preferred).
  10. Wild mammalian mark-recapture study design, field work, telemetry data analysis, tracking, and/or non-invasive DNA analysis. (preferred).
  11. Bioinformatics for genomics; such as Linux-based computing and programing; programming language used in genetic and/or genomic data analysis (such as Python, Perl). (preferred).
  12. Geographic Informations Systems (GIS) knowledge, skills, and abilities including ESRI Inc. programs such as ArcGIS and/or other geospatial analysis packages in R; data analysis, map and publication-quality figure creation using GIS. (preferred).

To apply for this position and for more info please submit an online application for Position # 19003493: at https://uwyo.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=19003493&lang=en#.XYqmntXJ02g.mailto

(or click “academic job listings” here, http://www.uwyo.edu/hr/prospective/index.html then click on the job ID 19003493).   Make sure to include a cover letter stating your detailed interests in the position, a resume, and specifically list how all of the “required” and any of the “preferred” qualifications are met, and the contact information (name, position, email, phone, institutional affiliation, and research area) for at least four (4) work-related references.

Position is offered by Dr. Holly Ernest, Professor and Wyoming Excellence Chair in Disease Ecology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming. Preferred start date is during early 2020 or as soon as possible.  Applications will be reviewed as they come in and will remain open until filled.


HIRING STATEMENT: 

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2237 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu.