The School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington has created a new shared genetics lab directed by Dr. Laura Prugh. We seek an experienced individual to help get the lab up and running, and to oversee a noninvasive genotyping project. Dr. Prugh is examining relationships among wolves, coyotes, and foxes in Denali National Park, and we estimate population sizes by genotyping feces. Other users of the lab may work on varied projects, including those focused on soils, plants, or other wildlife. We are currently setting up the lab with new equipment, including a droplet digital PCR system. The lab manager will work fairly independently to arrange equipment, purchase supplies, train and supervise graduate and undergraduate students while in the lab, and run genetic analyses. Position is temporary, either part-time for 1 year (preferred) or full-time for 6 months, with a salary of $22.60 per hour. The position could be extended pending successful grant proposals. Ideal start date is early January 2017. Responsibilities and Tasks: • Non-invasive genotyping, extracting and amplifying DNA from hair and fecal samples of wild carnivores • Optimization of PCR protocols • mtDNA and microsatellite analyses for species and individual ID • Use of software such as Genemapper to score alleles • Generation of consensus genotypes from repeated PCR runs • Estimation of genotyping error rates • Purchasing supplies • Training graduate and undergraduate students • Managing use of lab • Assistance with manuscript preparation (with potential for authorship and co-authorship) Minimum requirements: Bachelor's Degree in an appropriate field of technology or science, plus one year of research experience OR one year of full-time post-baccalaureate college in an appropriate field of science or technology. Previous fecal genotyping experience required. Desired qualifications: Master's Degree in an appropriate field of technology or science with one year or more of research experience. Previous supervisory and managerial experience is desirable. To apply: Please email a cover letter summarizing your interests and qualifications, your cv, and contact information for 3 references in a single pdf to [email protected] by Dec 11, 2016.
