[Cnidaria] Job: research technician in molecular biology and biodiversity

[Collins, Allen]

I will be looking to fill a contract position for a research technician
in molecular biology and biodiversity.

The contractor will provide support services to the multi-institutional,
NSF-funded Porifera Tree of Life (PorToL) project, and will be located
at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and
Laboratory of Analytical Biology (LAB). Duties will include:

1. Extracting DNA from a variety of sponge (Porifera) specimens using
extraction kits and the high throughput capabilities of LAB. Results to
be checked for quantity and quality of yield and success in downstream
applications.

2. Conducting DNA amplification of barcode and phylogenetic markers
(including nuclear 18S and 28S and mitochondrial COI and 16S) from DNA
extracts.

3. Troubleshooting, optimizing, and editing molecular sequence results
and data.

4. Post-processing trace and sequence data and assembling "barcode
compliant" metadata for upload to Genbank, the Sponge Barcoding Project,
and the PorToL database.

5. Backing up all DNA extractions via archival system with new
technologies.

6. Assisting in documentation (databasing and vouchering) of specimens
from which sequence data are generated.

7. Providing feedback to automated LIMS (Laboratory Information
Management System) to improve efficiency and advance throughput
procedures for data creation and management.

8. Integrating new collections and 2D barcoding methodologies into LAB
workflow (via Matrix tube, plates, scanners and software).

9. As necessary operating, monitoring, and assisting users on key pieces
of robotic equipment (Automated DNA Extractors, Automated capillary DNA
sequencers, etc.).

If interested, please contact Allen Collins (202-633-0645;
collinsa at si.edu) with a CV and contact information for references, at
which point we can discuss compensation with benefits.

Dr. Allen G. Collins - phone: (202) 633-0645, fax: (202) 633-8848
Invertebrate Zoologist with Curatorial Responsibilities for Medusozoa
and Hexactinellida
National Systematics Laboratory of NOAA Fisheries Service
National Museum of Natural History, MRC-153
Smithsonian Institution, P.O. Box 37012, Washington, DC  20013-7012  USA
 
For FedEx (or other couriers), please use: 
Smithsonian Institution, MRC 0163, Natural History Building, West
Loading Dock
10th and Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC 20560
 
The contents of this message are mine personally and do not necessarily
reflect any position of the Government or the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.