The Ocean Genome Legacy Center at Northeastern University is looking to fill a full-time staff scientist position entitled “Staff scientist, Collections”. The successful applicant for this position will manage OGL’s collections and supervise its staff.
The Staff Scientist will manage the scientific, communications, and organizational functions of the Ocean Genome Legacy non-profit biorepository of marine DNA and tissue samples. The responsibilities will entail approximately 30% collections management, 30% data management, 20% outreach/publicity/fundraising/administration, and 20% supervision/training. We anticipate that this position will provide a range of experiences in the management and administration of a scientific non-profit. Please note that, although scientific knowledge and experience are essential, and interaction with researchers is a key component of the work, opportunities for direct involvement in field and laboratory research will be limited in this position.
Responsibilities of the position include:
1) Building, modifying, and maintaining the OGR collections, databases, websites, and participating in all aspects of planning, collection, acquisition, accession, preparation, preservation, identification, documentation, storage, and distribution of genome resource samples.
2) Developing collaborations, programs and scientific methodologies essential to the growth of the Ocean Genome Resource Biorepository collections.
3) Supervising and training biorepository staff including research technicians and interns.
4) Contributing to the broader educational, outreach, and fundraising goals of OGL.
Education:
• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, or another biological science with strong experience in molecular genetics.
• Or, a Bachelor’s degree or higher in the same fields, with at least 4 years of relevant experience
Required Experience/Skills:
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and supervisory skills
• Proficiency in DNA extraction, DNA quantification, PCR, data interpretation, sterile technique, and general molecular biology skills
• Strong computer and data management skills
• Strong writing skills for both scientific and lay audiences
• Strong focus, attention to detail, and ability to multitask
• Strong customer service skills
• Desire to supervise, participate in design of, and conduct community outreach events
• Comfortable using or learning to work with databases and database software
• Reliable personal transportation to Nahant, MA, which has only limited access to public transportation
• Occasional weekend availability for outreach events (2-3 per year) and on-call availability for facility emergencies
Useful Skills:
• General knowledge of biological collection management, as might be developed in an environment such as a natural history collection, research or medical biobank, or biological resource center
• Familiarity with with permit and shipping regulations associated with biological collections
• Experience in grant writing and supporting fundraising operations
• Knowledge of marine biology, field collection, taxonomy, and/or systematics
• Familiarity with a variety of software platforms and databases including Excel, FileMaker, Geneious, Barcode of Life Database, and GenBank
This appointment is funded by an award received from an outside source. The duration of this position is contingent upon the continued availability of funding from this award at its current financial level.