Genomics Researcher

Closing Date: Open until filled.

Founded in 1977, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) is a partnership of the Columbia River basin’s four fishing tribes: the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservoir, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation and the Nez Perce Tribe. With more than 130 employees in Oregon and Idaho, we work to put fish back in the rivers, protect treaty fishing rights, share salmon culture, and provide direct services to tribal fishers along the Columbia River.

We seek a Genomics Researcher with experience in population genomics and bioinformatics and an in-depth knowledge of current molecular genomics techniques. This position is located with the genetics group at the Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station in Hagerman, ID. This research group tests conservation, evolution, and ecological theories related to salmonids and other fishes in support of CRITFC’s fish restoration plan, Wy-Kan-Ush-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit “Spirit of the Salmon”. The aim of this work is to assist with salmon recovery in the Columbia River basin to ensure that the four CRITFC member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama) retain traditional salmon fisheries as they have through millennia. The Genomics Researcher will focus on generating empirical genetics/genomics data to address questions related to the conservation and recovery of steelhead, Chinook, sockeye, and coho salmon, white sturgeon, Pacific lamprey, and other fishes of the Columbia River Basin. Core duties include lab work, bioinformatics support on genomics projects, processing sequencing data with existing pipelines, and generation of genomic data from sequencing instruments. Occasional opportunities to lead projects may be assigned on an as-needed basis.

CRITFC offers competitive compensation and an exceptional benefits package, including medical, dental, 401(k), 12 days of vacation (to start), 12 paid holidays, and paid sick time. We provide professional development opportunities, promote from within, and have a Native hiring preference as part of our commitment to our people. As a result, you will find a work environment that supports and inspires our shared goals of protecting the natural world and the tribal cultural connection to it.

Position Details

• Location: Hagerman, Idaho

Responsibilities

• Conduct bioinformatics on large-scale sequencing data.
• Process sequencing data with existing pipelines.
• Maintain and operate sequencing instruments.
• Extract DNA from fish tissues.
• Prepare DNA libraries for next-generation sequencing (e.g., Pool-seq, RNA-seq, GT-seq, whole genome resequencing).
• Data entry into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and Progeny database.
• Complete QA/QC protocols.
• Communicate effectively with project leaders.
• Participate in inter-agency workgroups, as necessary.
• Execute research in accordance with developed proposals.
• Contribute to reports and publications of key scientific results.
• Other duties as assigned and as appropriate to CRITFC goals and purposes.

Qualifications

• The Genomics Researcher is required to have a Bachelor’s degree in a field of science or a Bachelor’s degree with applicable experience.
• Experience in sequence alignment, SNP identification, amplicon assay development, statistical analysis, and the relevant software for each of these tasks.
• Competency working in Linux frameworks processing and troubleshooting existing analysis pipelines.
• Ability to use or learn to use Shell, Bash, Python, and Perl scripting.
• Familiarity with current molecular genetic techniques, laboratory methods, and equipment, including Illumina sequencers and similar equipment.
• Knowledge of basic scientific principles, achieved through experience or education.
• Proficiency with computer hardware and software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word).
• Willingness to learn laboratory techniques and protocols.
• Experience with database imports, exports, and queries.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining concentration.
• Dedicated work ethic with strong attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Physical ability to stand 4-6 hours/day, perform assigned laboratory duties (requires keen motor skills), and lift up to 30 pounds. Occasionally will be required to work with toxic, volatile, corrosive chemicals and/or carcinogenic substances with appropriate safety gear.

Supervision

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Working Conditions

Most of the work is performed in a laboratory or office setting. There will be opportunities to participate in field sampling, sometimes in adverse outdoor conditions. This position may require occasional travel to regional meetings, conferences, and workshops.

CRITFC Motor Vehicle Policy

If during the course of employment, the position requires driving a CRITFC vehicle or personal vehicle for business (mileage compensated), the employee must be able to meet the terms of the CRITFC Motor Vehicle policy. Per the policy, applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the past three years. This includes a three-year record clear of the following:

• Reckless Driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Suspension or revoked license
• No more than two at-fault accidents
• One major violation or two minor violations.