Position DetailsPosition Information
Requisition Number S3908P
Home Org Name Schl Fisheries Aquac Aquat Sci
Division Name College of Agriculture
Position Title Research Associate/Research Fellow (Environmental DNA Lab Manager)
Job Class Code HA02A/B/C/D, HA03A/B/C/D
Appointment Status Full-time
Part-time FTELimited Term No
Limited Term LengthJob Summary The Southeast Conservation Genetics Lab (SECGL) at Auburn University is seeking a highly qualified individual to serve in the role as Lab Manager to a new environmental DNA (eDNA) lab. This is a permanent position. Funding for the position has already been secured for six years, and future funding is expected.
SECGL is a joint U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Auburn University research lab. The lab's director is Dr. Nathan Whelan, and the lab includes a mix of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees, Auburn University employees, and Auburn University graduate students.
We are located in Swingle Hall and the CASIC Building on Auburn University's main campus. Our research includes both basic and applied science. Current eDNA lab space includes clean-room areas and physically separate labs to ensure eDNA work can be done following best-practices. We anticipate moving into a newly constructed lab and office building that includes built-for-purpose clean rooms and other lab space in late 2026.
In addition to eDNA infrastructure, SECGL has outstanding facilities, equipment, and capacity for lab- and field-based research. We have all the equipment needed for next-generation library prep and other molecular data generation and analyses. The lab has a 4WD SUV and other equipment for fieldwork.
The job series and level that the employee will be hired into will depend on their education and salary. Applicants with a masters degree will qualify for the Research Associate job series. Applicants with a PhD will qualify for the Research Fellow job series. The salary range listed below ranges from the lowest level of a Research Associate to a Research Fellow IV.If you would like more details on salary, please contact Nathan Whelan (nvw0001@auburn.edu; nathan_whelan@fws.gov).
Auburn University is a public land-, sea-, and space-grant institution with internationally recognized research and academics. Auburn and nearby Opelika, Alabama are vibrant towns with excellent quality of life and a relatively low cost of living.
Essential Functions In this position, the employee will oversee day-to-day operations of the lab, manage budgets, order supplies, train students and technicians, and perform eDNA research. The primary focus of the new eDNA lab during the first two years will be implementation of an eDNA invasive species surveillance lab that is a part of the Department of Interior's Early Detection Rapid Response Keystone Initiative. The employee will also have opportunities to develop their own research projects.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications Research Associate I: Master's degree; no experience required.
Research Associate II: Master's degree and 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
Research Associate III: Master's degree and 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
Research Associate IV: Master's degree and 6 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
Research Fellow I: PhD; no experience required.
Research Fellow II: PhD and 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
Research Fellow III: PhD and 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
Research Fellow IV: PhD and 6 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications
Minimum Skills and Abilities Experience with single-assay qPCR eDNA lab work is required.
Minimum Technology SkillsMinimum License and CertificationsDesired Qualifications
Desired Qualifications Desired qualifications include the following:
- Experience leading eDNA projects.
- Budget management skills.
- Peer-reviewed publications that include eDNA work.
- Bioinformatics skills (e.g., Linux command line, R, etc.).
- Metabarcoding and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) experience.
- Experience with single-assay qPCR eDNA lab work.
Posting Detail Information
Salary Range $38,600 - $108,500
Job Category Research
Working Hours if Non-TraditionalCity position is located in: Auburn
State position is located: Alabama
List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this positionPosting Date 09/05/2024
Closing DateEEO Statement AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their
website to learn more.
Special Instructions to Applicants Please utilize the attachment feature of the on-line application system and attach a cover letter and CV or resume. When prompted, please enter the contact information for three professional references. Only COMPLETE application materials will be considered.
More information on Auburn University's benefits package can be found via Auburn University's Human Resources website (https://auburn.edu/administration/human_resources/benefits/documents/benefits-at-a-glance-2024.pdf).
The preferred start date is October 2024, but the start date is flexible. Members of historically underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
For more information: Contact Dr. Nathan Whelan: nathan_whelan@fws.gov, nvw001@auburn.edu. More information about the lab can be found at the following websites: www.nathanwhelan.com, https://www.fws.gov/office/warm-springs-fish-technology-center.
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://www.auemployment.com/postings/48072