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Aquaculture Science Technician

Saltwater Inc.

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People & HR

Seattle, WA, USA

Posted on Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Aquaculture Science Technician

We are currently recruiting for an Aquaculture Science Technician. This individual will work with the The Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), Environmental Physiology Program to assist in developing non-GMO methods for sterilization that can be applied on a large scale by the aquaculture industry to shellfish and finfish species. In addition, the development of an “analytical tool-kit” to assess physiological parameters in cultured shellfish that may be predictive of multi-stressor resistance (e.g., resistance to ocean acidification and elevated temperature) in the field is highly needed. Research under this project focuses on reproductive physiology in marine species and the development of predictive biomarkers of multi-stress resistance in cultured shellfish species.

This work will be conducted on site at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA. The contract period of performance will be from September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025, with one (1) twelve (12) month option period for a potential two-year contract in total. Candidate requirements are listed below.

Tasks / Deliverables:

TASK ONE. Shellfish/fish culture and experimental manipulations
- Description: Conduct shellfish husbandry and manipulations of experimental fish and shellfish held in controlled conditions at the NWFSC Montlake Lab and/or Manchester Research Station. This may entail set up and maintenance of experimental systems for multi-stressor shellfish trials, daily care and feeding of experimental shellfish, experimental diet preparation and feeding fish, enumerating larvae or fish, testing water quality, cleaning tanks and net pens, and modifying tank systems and seawater lines as needed.
- Deliverables: Successful experimentation and records of any data collected related to shellfish culture or experimental manipulations.

TASK TWO. Tissue collections
- Description: Prepare supplies for tissue sampling events and assist staff scientists with tissue collections. Preparation for sampling events typically entails labeling tubes for collection of biological tissues, preparing field note sheets and packing supplies for sampling. Sampling itself typically entails collecting size data (length, weight, and tag number where applicable) and tissue samples from experimental animals using an RNase-free technique. Biological samples shall be properly stored for later analysis.
- Deliverables: Well-organized sampling events; reliable data collected; properly sampled and preserved tissues for later analysis.

TASK THREE. Laboratory analyses
- Description: Conduct laboratory analyses of various physiological factors in shellfish and finfish, including histology and microscopy, molecular biology techniques, immuno- and enzyme assays, and metabolic rate assays measured via respirometry. It is likely that optimization of established methodologies will be required for a particular species/life-stage experimental paradigm. Specific laboratory techniques that the contractor shall use are: 1) paraffin histology (tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining) and microscopy to assess cellular and anatomical features of the gonad or other tissues; 2) molecular biology techniques such as DNA and RNA isolations and sequencing, gel electrophoresis, oligo primer design, standard and quantitative PCR, targeted gene cloning, gene knock-downs and in situ hybridizations; 3) cellular and chemical bioassays for shellfish and fish tissues, including enzyme activity assays and hormone bioassays; and 4) metabolic rate assays measured via respirometry and/or metabolic proxy, such as resazurin assay.
- Deliverable: Biological data or tissue extracts from laboratory analyses.

TASK FOUR. Data entry, organization, analysis and presentation
- Description: Enter and compile data and notes from all laboratory and field activities in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. The contractor shall conduct initial statistical analyses using standard statistical software (e.g., R or Prism) and generate preliminary graphs/tables and data summaries for review by the Project Leader. The contractor shall assist with writing materials and methods and other sections for annual reports and peer-reviewed publications, and assist with developing slide decks for presentations at scientific meetings.
- Deliverables: Data accurately entered, properly stored, and backed-up to avoid loss of information; preliminary graphs/tables and data summaries for research projects; fertility and hatch rate data following fish spawning trials; fish growth or body size summaries following sampling events; gene expression data summaries for samples assayed; hormone level data for samples assayed; compilations for histological information obtained from microscopy; contribution to the development of scientific reports, publications, and presentations relevant to the project.

Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent and allow each member of our team to achieve their full potential and maximum productivity.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major relevant to the PWS with emphasis in aquaculture, fisheries, molecular biology, or oceanography plus one year of experience or a combination of such totaling five years of combined education / experience. A Master’s degree may be substituted for experience.
Knowledge and experience working in a research laboratory.
Knowledge of husbandry and reproduction of shellfish and/or fish.
Knowledge of and experience with molecular biology techniques, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) isolations, gel electrophoresis, and polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) assays. Knowledge of cellular and biochemical assays such as enzyme activity and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Experience with graphing and statistical software, such as Microsoft Excel and Prism.
Experience developing data summaries and writing methods from research conducted.
Ability to lift two, 5-gallon buckets full of water and carry them 30 yards.
Valid driver’s license to allow for driving Government-Owned Vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience writing materials and methods sections for scientific reports and/or publications.
Experience with ribonucleic acid (RNA) extractions and in situ hybridization.
Experience culturing aquatic species, such as fish and/or shellfish.

Compensation:

Salary range is $26 – $34 per hour. Medical insurance, Holiday, PTO, Sick Pay, and 401K are also offered.

Diversity / EOE Statement:

Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent and allow each member of our team to achieve their full potential and maximum productivity. Furthermore, Saltwater Inc. highly encourages qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply for positions for which they are qualified and to notify us if there are any needs for accommodation throughout the application process and/or upon hire.

How to Apply:

Click on link below and fill out the online application. We will honor all requests for application confidentiality.

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