Laboratory Technologist II

Position Function:


The Northern Gulf Institute at Mississippi State University is hiring a Laboratory Technologist II to support the development and application of molecular assays to support fisheries and biodiversity monitoring. This position is based at NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) in Miami, Florida. This lab technician position will primarily involve molecular biology laboratory work, but will also provide opportunities for bioinformatics computational work. Experience with molecular biology laboratory techniques and developing quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays is expected, but ample learning opportunities for growth and development will be provided. The successful applicant will work in a highly collaborative environment, assisting in the transition of advanced 'omics technologies from the lab to large-scale fisheries and ecological surveys.


Salary Grade : 14


Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.


Department Profile:


The Northern Gulf Institute (NGI) is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Institute comprised of six academic institutions that are geographically distributed across the U.S. Gulf Coast states. The six NGI member institutions are Mississippi State University (lead), the University of Southern Mississippi, Florida State University, Louisiana State University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory. Together with NOAA and in support of their strategic plan, NGI conducts research on interconnections among Gulf of Mexico environments, habitats, resources, and people and engages in outreach to help others learn about and make decisions based on these interconnections.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:


• Develop and optimize new qPCR assays.
• Extract DNA from environmental samples.
• Perform PCR and qPCR on environmental DNA samples.
• Prepare and submit DNA samples for sequencing.
• Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook documenting all lab work.
• Assist in training personnel on optimized protocols and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.


Minimum Qualifications:


• B.S. degree in the marine sciences, biology, bioengineering, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing qPCR or digital PCR assays, including primer design and validation.

• Expected to routinely meet with supervisor, advisors and laboratory users (NOAA and Cooperative Institute scientists, as well as interns.


Preferred Qualifications:


• Master's degree (M.S.) in the marine sciences, biology, bioengineering, or related field.
• Experience developing PCR protocols for DNA metabarcoding and library preparation.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:


• Significant molecular biology experience including developing qPCR protocols for eDNA quantification
• Ability to work effectively within a team of federal scientists and academic contractors.
• Attention to detail regarding laboratory QA/QC and the maintenance of comprehensive electronic and physical records.
• Strong organizational and communications skills.


Working Conditions and Physical Effort


Occasional and/or light lifting required. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., but none to the point of being disagreeable. May involve minor safety hazards where likely result would be cuts, bruises, etc.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, ability to distinguish colors.
Routine deadlines, usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressure from persons other than immediate supervisor.
May occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and could have opportunities to participate in fieldwork that could require movement across uneven environmental terrain such as beach sand, shallow waters, or work aboard small boats or research vessels.


Instructions for Applying:


Link to apply:


Apply online by submitting a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your transcript(s). Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.


Restricted Clause:


Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.


Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:


Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, View phone number on click.appcast.io.


What do I do if I need an accommodation?


In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io .


If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io . Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.