MSU Listserv

From: Kim Scribner <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Friday, March 10, 2017 at 2:28 PM
To: Jim Schneider <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Fwd: jobs in eDNA research; and Genomics of adaption to extreme environments




GENETICS LAB TECHNICIAN or ENVIRONMENTAL DNA MONITORING PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Project: Aquatic invasive species monitoring and eDNA detection

Principal Investigators: Gordon Luikart and Steve Amish, Flathead Lake
Biological Station and Montana Conservation Genomics Laboratory,
Division of Biological Sciences,  The University of Montana.
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]><mailto:[log in to unmask]> ,
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]><mailto:[log in to unmask]>
(406-982-3301 x249).

Start Date & Duration: April/May 2017; 1 year with likely multi-year extension

Project Description/Summary:   Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) such as
zebra and quagga mussels, Euarasian watermilfoil, New Zealand
mudsnails, Asian carp and many others are spreading across North
America and causing massive economic and ecological problems.
Sensitive eDNA tests are urgently needed for early detection,
monitoring, and preventing the spread of these AIS.  eDNA tests are
also needed for monitoring endangered species such as bull trout and
salmon.  This position will oversee and organize existing monitoring
work and lab testing, and help develop new lab protocols, eDNA assays,
and field sampling protocols. The project will also develop and
compare PCR technologies (digital and real time) and perhaps next gen
sequencing methods to quantify their relative sensitivity and
specificity on the most insidious AIS and the most threatened
salmonids in North America.  We are especially concerned about
stopping the spread of zebra mussels which were discovered in Montana
last summer (2016) (Fig. 1). The applicant may also work on additional
exciting population genomics projects on trout and stoneflies
discovering genes underlying adaption to extreme environments
(captivity, climate change), and travel to conduct fish and eDNA
sampling in beautiful areas such as Glacier National Park, Yellowstone
National Park, Flathead Lake, and streams across Montana.
Skills required:  The applicant should have substantial experience
conducting qPCR and ideally eDNA analyses or ancient DNA analyses
(including sample extraction). The applicant should have demonstrated
ability to write and publish papers, and organize and manage lab
supplies.  Proven ability to communicate with others from diverse
groups (e.g. agencies, managers, researchers, the public) and
establish collaborations, are highly desirable.

Applications:  Send a brief letter (< 1 page) describing your
motivation and background, your CV, and the names and contact
information for three references to Gordon and Steve (above).
   Review of applications will start March 22nd, and remain open until
a suitable candidate is hired.

Salary:  Negotiable, but likely approximately $26,000 to $33,000 the
first year depending on experience and CV.

Key references:  see our web pages, this eDNA video:
<https://flbs.umt.edu/giving/default.aspx?id=1 >; & contact us.

    [cid:[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>]  [File:Zebra mussel GLERL
3.jpg]
<http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Zebra_mussel_GLERL_3.jp>
[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6c/Crayfish_covered_with_zebra_muscles.jpg]

Figure 1 (a) zebra & quagga mussels, (b) encrusted research equipment,
and (c) a crayfish encrusted with zebra mussels.
[https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Fisherman_caught_bull_trout_fish_salvelinus_confluentus.jpg] Native bull trout and other native species are threatened by AIS and climate
warming.



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