Research Associate

The Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station (COMES) – Newport invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Research Associate position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Director.

This Research Associate will work with a team of researchers in the State Fisheries Genomics Lab to address the science and management needs of OSU’s Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Research will primarily focus on evaluating the reintroduction of spring Chinook salmon above dams in the Upper Willamette River as well as evaluating the genetics of adult run timing in Chinook salmon and steelhead.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership in research
• Performing laboratory work as needed
• Analyzing genetic and genomic datasets
• Writing peer-reviewed papers and technical reports

As a member of the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station (COMES), the incumbent will be expected to work closely with coastal communities and federal, state, and private organizations in support of the COMES mission “to understand, utilize, and sustain marine resources and coastal ecosystems in order to benefit the citizens of Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, the Nation, and the World.” The candidate will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The College of Agricultural Sciences is committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academics, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for extension and outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audiences. This position will contribute to programs ensuring that all people have equal employment opportunities and equal program participation opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran’s status.

The State Fisheries Genomics Lab is in the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building on the Hatfield Marine Science Center campus in Newport, Oregon. This position is located on-site.

Key Responsibilities:

• 60% Research
• 25% Publications and Presentations
• 10% Data Management
• 5% Outreach and Service

What You Will Need:

• Ph.D. in the biological sciences related to genetics, ecology, or evolution with an emphasis in statistics
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage respectfully with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences
• Ability to clearly communicate scientific concepts, findings, and results for diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to contribute to an inclusive team culture where all individuals feel valued and respected

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

What We Would Like You to Have:

• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with next generation sequencing methodologies (e.g. genotyping-in-thousands by sequencing, genotyping-by-sequencing, and restriction site-associated DNA sequencing)
• Familiarity with population genetics and parentage analysis software and packages
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages
• Familiarity with R for data analysis
• Experience with working in high performance computer clusters
• Experience processing and analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) samples

Working Conditions / Work Schedule:

• May be required to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• The ability to travel to OSU’s main campus in Corvallis, Oregon as needed is required

Pay Method: Salary Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month Pay Date Last working day of the month Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education and experience.