eDNA Technician (Hourly)
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Job Description
The Illinois Natural History Survey seeks an hourly technician to conduct molecular genetic research with an emphasis on environmental DNA assay development and data analysis, community metabarcoding, and population genomics. Duties will include collecting and processing eDNA field samples, conducting DNA and eDNA extractions, participating in DNA quantification, plating for multi-locus metabarcoding, conducting PCR and qPCR validation, optimization, and data generation, participating in molecular genetic generation and data management, and contributing to technical reports and manuscripts. This position will be based out of Champaign, Illinois.
Qualifications
Must be working towards or have obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resources, or related field. Must have some experience working in wet labs. Experience or coursework in genetics is preferred. Must have a valid driver's license.
Salary: Starting salary is $15 per hour; up to 40 hours per week for approx. 15 weeks of summer, with potential for 20 hours per week for the academic year. The estimated start date is May 9, 2023.
To Apply: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by February 15, 2024. If interested, please submit via email a letter detailing the qualifications above, a resume/CV, and the names and contact information of three professional references to Dr. Mark Davis at davis63@illinois.edu. (Reference “2023 eDNA Tech” in the subject line).
The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled http://go.illinois.edu/EEO that participates in the federal E-verify program and participates in a background check program focused on prior criminal or sexual misconduct history.