Research Technician

Summary:
We are recruiting a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join Dr. Kentaro Inoue's lab as a Research Technician in Freshwater Mussel Research and Conservation. The Research Technician will help population genomic research on endangered freshwater mussels. Responsibilities will include generating and analyzing genomic data on a variety of mussel species using a wide range of genetic and genomic techniques.

Additionally, the Research Technician will assist in surveys and monitoring of freshwater mussels during the summer field season. The Research Technician will work both independently and in a close collaboration with seasonal interns, aquarium staff, and research collaborators. This is a great opportunity to work with biologists seeking to advance our understanding of freshwater mussels for species conservation. Training including specific genomic techniques, freshwater mussel sampling skills, and species identification will be provided.

This position is full-time, funded for 2 years (with the possibility of extension), and based in Chicago, IL, USA. The salary for this position is $42,000 annually. Please include a cover letter detailing qualifications for the position, previous research experience, and how this position relates to your long-term professional goals.

We strongly encourage individuals from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, and all cultural backgrounds to apply.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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Demonstrate commitment to Shedd's vision, mission and values.

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Work with Shedd's Research Biologist, Dr. Kentaro Inoue, on laboratory and field research.

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Perform genetic and genomic procedures (e.g., DNA extraction, electrophoresis, PCR, qPCR, and genomic library preparation).

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Genotype endangered mussel species using genetic/genomic markers (RADseq, sequencer-based microsatellite genotyping, GT-seq, and whole genome resequencing).

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Perform preliminary analyses on resulting data.

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Mange and oversee daily laboratory functions.

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Assist in field work (e.g., freshwater mussel surveys and population monitoring).

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Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:
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Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Genetics, Biology, Evolutionary Biology, or a related field AND 2+ years of laboratory research experience;

OR

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An equivalent combination of education and experience (i.e., Master's Degree in a related discipline with experience in genetic research). All-but-thesis Master's candidates will be considered.

The candidate must have the following:
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Self-motivated with an attention to detail.

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Demonstrated ability to perform genetic research techniques and protocols (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and genomic library preparation)

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Experience in genetic laboratory workflow.

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Ability to work in outdoor conditions (e.g., heat and humidity, walking/swimming in rivers, rough terrain, mosquitos, etc.).

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Ability to lift at least 20 pounds (10 kg).

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Good organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications. The candidate will ideally have some or all the following:

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Experience in field work.

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Experience with experimental design and genomic data analyses (e.g., RADseq, whole genome resequencing, eDNA and metagenomics, RNAseq).

• Familiarity with the biology/ecology of freshwater mussels.

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).