The Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) in La Jolla, CA, seeks a lab manager for its Molecular Ecology Laboratory.  Responsibilities include production of high quality genetic data for phylogenetic and population structure studies primarily of marine mammals and sea turtles by:

·  overseeing daily operations of the genetics laboratory and its systems,

·  training laboratory personnel and students in basic laboratory techniques,

·  serving as liaison between project investigators and laboratory staff,

·  supervising laboratory technicians,

·  tracking status of all projects moving through the lab,

·  providing technical guidance, problem solving, and troubleshooting of laboratory methods

·  procurement of laboratory supplies and equipment,

·  ensuring maintenance of laboratory equipment and environment

·  providing fiscal oversight of laboratory budget and maintenance of a cost effective research environment 

He/she must communicate with and report to principle investigators and collaborators on a regular basis, and be familiar with relational databases for laboratory data input, quality control, and tracking of projects.

Additionally, she/he will: Oversee development and testing of new technologies and protocols to improve our data quality and efficiency; Introduce and evaluate new technology to improve our research capacity; Track and manage the laboratory budget using MS Access and Oracle databases; Assist in the development, monitoring, and maintenance of project budget and schedules;  Produce and provide data to other laboratories within NMFS, to international organizations such as the International Whaling Commission, and to collaborators; Coordinate lab activities with members of other programs and divisions within the SWFSC

 Required Qualifications: Ability to effectively communicate and interact with staff in a team-based environment. Requires a high degree of autonomy, flexibility, independent judgment, and leadership skills.  Bachelor’s degree or higher in biology or related field, at least 3 years experience with molecular genetics research methods including DNA extraction, microsatellite genotyping, SNP genotyping, and DNA sequencing, and experience with overseeing the operation of a lab, including procurement, training of new personnel, data quality control and assurance, and project management.

 Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates who pay attention to detail, have good organizational skills, and can work collaboratively with others.

 This is a full-time position with a two year term limit, but with potential for extension.  Salary commensurate with experience and will include benefits. Candidates must be U.S. Citizens. The job is currently open for applications through January 23, through the web site www.usajobs.com. Please contact Phil Morin for details (phillip.morin@noaa.gov). http://swfsc.noaa.gov/prd.aspx   


Announcement Number:  NMF-SWC-2008-0008
Position:  Supervisory Research Biologist (Lab Manager), ZP-401-III
Location: La Jolla, CA
Open:  January 2, 2008
Close:  January 23, 2008