CRITFC is seeking a Fisheries Geneticist with experience in population genomics and genetic monitoring applications and has in-depth knowledge of current molecular genomics techniques. The applicant will coordinate activities of a mobile genetics lab to provide rapid genetic analyses to support fisheries recovery and monitoring priorities for member tribes in the Columbia River Basin. The applicant will have experience in wet lab preparation of DNA, bioinformatic processing skills, statistical analyses of genetic data, and reporting of results. The position will supervise a lab technician as they work together in a mobile lab to process genetic samples at various locations. The position will receive support from staff based at the Hagerman Genetics Lab but must be able to work independently while the mobile lab is deployed.

This position will be based at one of the CRITFC offices in either Portland, Oregon or Hagerman, Idaho depending on circumstances. The position requires travel up to 60% of the time during peak seasons (June-Sept), with options for hybrid remote work in other seasons of the year. The position requires the ability to coordinate with fisheries managers and biologists to schedule activities and provide regular reports of repeated genetic analyses completed in the mobile lab. This position works within the genetics program to support CRITFC’s tribal salmon recovery 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 Fisheries Geneticist will focus on applying empirical genetics/genomics data to address questions related to conservation and recovery of steelhead, Chinook, sockeye, and coho salmon, white sturgeon, Pacific lamprey, and other fishes of the Columbia River basin.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and schedule activities for mobile lab deployment.
• Develop sampling designs and protocols for studies, including optimization for rapid generation of results.
• Conduct laboratory analyses with optimized methods for rapid genotyping.
• Perform data analysis with heavy emphasis on population genetics/genomics.
• Produce reports and peer reviewed publications of key scientific results.
• Execute research in accord with developed proposals.
• Develop research proposals to attract extramural funding.
• Participate in interagency workgroups.
• Provide technical advice and reviews in the areas of genetics and conservation biology to tribal staff, legal counsel, and policy makers.