Research Scientist/ Engineer 4, Fisheries Genomics

Job Details

Reporting to the Professor, the Research Scientist Engineer 4 will independently lead genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic research addressing questions in marine ecology, climate resilience, and fisheries management, with an immediate focus on Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) stock composition in the Northern Bering Sea. This position offers the opportunity to apply advanced molecular approaches to economically important fish and shellfish species in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, working in close partnership with NOAA Fisheries science centers, academic partners, nonprofit organizations, and the fishing industry to generate science that directly informs stock assessment and resource management. 

This position is engaged in marine environmental genomics and molecular ecology: the application of genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic approaches to understand how marine fish and shellfish populations are structured, how they respond to changing ocean conditions such as warming and ocean acidification, and how that information can be used to improve fisheries management and aquaculture. The field integrates high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing, population genetics, physiology, and bioinformatics to answer questions about stock structure, local adaptation, and resilience of commercially and ecologically important species. Within the Roberts Lab at the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS), this work combines wet-laboratory molecular biology with large-scale computational analysis and open-science cyberinfrastructure. Research areas span fisheries genomics, shellfish aquaculture, epigenetics, disease ecology, and climate resilience, with a strong emphasis on reproducible analysis and on partnerships with federal, state, nonprofit, and industry collaborators.

Research Leadership and Execution (40%)

Independently identify research priorities and design, plan, and lead genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic studies of marine fish and invertebrates, including Pacific cod stock composition in the Northern Bering Sea.

Plan and conduct field sample collection (including aboard research or fishing vessels as needed) and laboratory work, including DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing library preparation, coordination with sequencing facilities, and quality control.

Develop, refine, and troubleshoot molecular and experimental methods; maintain detailed records and protocols.

Data Analysis and Bioinformatics (25%)

Lead bioinformatic and statistical analyses of high-throughput sequencing data, including population genomic, differential expression, and DNA methylation analyses.

Build and maintain reproducible analytical pipelines; manage, document, and archive datasets in accordance with open-science practices and sponsor data requirements.

Dissemination and Reporting (15%)

Lead and co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts; prepare progress and final reports for sponsors; present findings at scientific meetings and to resource managers and industry stakeholders.

Proposal Development, Project and Partner Management (10%)

Identify funding opportunities and lead or co-lead proposal development as Co-Investigator; manage project budgets, timelines, and deliverables; coordinate research activities with NOAA, academic, nonprofit, and industry partners.

Mentoring, Training, and Service (10%)

Train and mentor graduate students, technicians, and junior staff in molecular and computational methods; contribute to laboratory operations and safety; participate in professional service.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience independently designing and executing genomic, transcriptomic, or epigenomic studies of marine organisms.
• Proficiency in bioinformatic analysis of high-throughput sequencing data in a command-line (Linux/high-performance computing) environment and statistical analysis in R or Python.
• Record of first-author peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
• Experience contributing to competitive research proposals and managing research project budgets and deliverables.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary partners across academic, government, and industry sectors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in fisheries science, marine biology, genomics, or a related field.
• Experience with population genetic/genomic stock identification and with NOAA Fisheries stock assessment or fishery management processes.
• Experience working with Alaska marine species and ecosystems, and with DNA methylation or other epigenomic analyses.
• Experience mentoring students or staff and with reproducible research practices (e.g., version control, workflow managers, data repositories).

Contact Information

End Date: November 24, 2026

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