Research Scientist/ Engineer 4, Fisheries Genomics

Job Description

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, SAFS, has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist Engineer 4 to join their team. This is a permanent 1.0 FTE position.

Reporting to the Professor, the Research Scientist Engineer 4 will independently lead genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic research addressing questions in marine ecology, climate resilience, and fisheries management, with an immediate focus on Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) stock composition in the Northern Bering Sea. This position offers the opportunity to apply advanced molecular approaches to economically important fish and shellfish species in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, working in close partnership with NOAA Fisheries science centers, academic partners, nonprofit organizations, and the fishing industry to generate science that directly informs stock assessment and resource management. 

 

This position is engaged in marine environmental genomics and molecular ecology: the application of genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic approaches to understand how marine fish and shellfish populations are structured, how they respond to changing ocean conditions such as warming and ocean acidification, and how that information can be used to improve fisheries management and aquaculture. The field integrates high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing, population genetics, physiology, and bioinformatics to answer questions about stock structure, local adaptation, and resilience of commercially and ecologically important species. Within the Roberts Lab at the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS), this work combines wet-laboratory molecular biology with large-scale computational analysis and open-science cyberinfrastructure. Research areas span fisheries genomics, shellfish aquaculture, epigenetics, disease ecology, and climate resilience, with a strong emphasis on reproducible analysis and on partnerships with federal, state, nonprofit, and industry collaborators.

 

Research Leadership and Execution (40%)

Independently identify research priorities and design, plan, and lead genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic studies of marine fish and invertebrates, including Pacific cod stock composition in the Northern Bering Sea.

 

Plan and conduct field sample collection (including aboard research or fishing vessels as needed) and laboratory work, including DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing library preparation, coordination with sequencing facilities, and quality control.

 

Develop, refine, and troubleshoot molecular and experimental methods; maintain detailed records and protocols.

 

Data Analysis and Bioinformatics (25%)

Lead bioinformatic and statistical analyses of high-throughput sequencing data, including population genomic, differential expression, and DNA methylation analyses.

 

Build and maintain reproducible analytical pipelines; manage, document, and archive datasets in accordance with open-science practices and sponsor data requirements.

 

Dissemination and Reporting (15%)

Lead and co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts; prepare progress and final reports for sponsors; present findings at scientific meetings and to resource managers and industry stakeholders.

 

Proposal Development, Project and Partner Management (10%)

Identify funding opportunities and lead or co-lead proposal development as Co-Investigator; manage project budgets, timelines, and deliverables; coordinate research activities with NOAA, academic, nonprofit, and industry partners.

 

Mentoring, Training, and Service (10%)

Train and mentor graduate students, technicians, and junior staff in molecular and computational methods; contribute to laboratory operations and safety; participate in professional service.

 

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in fisheries science, marine biology, genetics/genomics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or related field and four years of research experience in molecular ecology, population genomics, or a closely related area, or equivalent relevant experience.

 

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

 

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience independently designing and executing genomic, transcriptomic, or epigenomic studies of marine organisms.
• Proficiency in bioinformatic analysis of high-throughput sequencing data in a command-line (Linux/high-performance computing) environment and statistical analysis in R or Python.
• Record of first-author peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
• Experience contributing to competitive research proposals and managing research project budgets and deliverables.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary partners across academic, government, and industry sectors.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in fisheries science, marine biology, genomics, or a related field.
• Experience with population genetic/genomic stock identification and with NOAA Fisheries stock assessment or fishery management processes.
• Experience working with Alaska marine species and ecosystems, and with DNA methylation or other epigenomic analyses.
• Experience mentoring students or staff and with reproducible research practices (e.g., version control, workflow managers, data repositories).

 

Working Conditions

This is primarily a computational and laboratory research position with a remote work arrangement and regular on-site requirements at the UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (FTR Building) and partner NOAA laboratories in Seattle. Work includes periodic wet-laboratory activities involving standard laboratory chemicals and biological tissues; occasional fieldwork and sample collection that may require travel to Alaska and time aboard vessels in variable weather; extended periods of computer work; and travel to scientific meetings. A valid driver’s license or ability to travel to field and partner sites is helpful.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$99,444.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$108,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.