Marine eDNA Seagoing Technician - 139086
UC San Diego
Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA, USA
USD 65,171-104,836 / year
8622 Kennel Way, San Diego, CA 92037, United States
#139086 Marine eDNA Seagoing Technician
Filing Deadline: Mon 5/11/2026UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
This is a 12-month limited 100% appointment with the potential for extension up to 18 months and/or conversion to an indefinite career position based on the needs and funding of the department. If the appointment is not converted to career status, it may not extend beyond a maximum of 18 months.Contract/Limited position.
Successful candidate must prepared to go to sea for 120 days per year and must be able to give and hear verbal commands in a noisy environment at sea.
DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, carry out the duties of a seagoing technician for up to 120 days per year and up to 40 days per cruise. Prepare, maintain, deploy and troubleshoot autonomous eDNA sampling instrumentation both on land and on research cruises. Operate and monitor eDNA sampling instruments at sea, applying analytical judgment to ensure optimal performance and data quality. Apply theoretical knowledge of molecular biology and oceanographic sampling to adapt complex procedures as needed for new research conditions or instruments. Maintain accurate, detailed records of sample collection and handling. Coordinate sample logistics between SIO and research vessels.
At sea, operate and monitor eDNA sampling instruments to ensure optimal performance and data quality. Ashore, collaborate with the supervising researcher to evaluate instrument performance and work directly with the instrument manufacturer to troubleshoot technical issues and support system improvements. Contribute to improvements in eDNA data management workflows to support the dissemination of data products on the CalCOFI website.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in marine science, oceanography, engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Theoretical and practical knowledge of oceanography, chemistry, biology, and engineering principles needed for data collection, analysis, and quality control.
Minimum of 14 days seagoing experience with demonstrated ability to perform technical procedures independently at sea.
Ability to work at sea for several weeks at a time, including tolerance for physically demanding and variable conditions.
Experience with oceanographic instrumentation, molecular biology, and sterile laboratory techniques.
Strong organizational skills with ability to independently manage supplies, equipment inventories, and sampling logistics across ship and shore environments.
Careful attention to detail and record keeping, including experience in maintaining sample tracking systems or field logbooks.
Familiarity with safe handling, labeling, and disposal of chemical preservatives and biological samples in accordance with institutional and regulatory safety standards.
Profiecient in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel or equivalent.
Experience with GitHub or other version-control platforms for protocol and data management.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills (oral and written).
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Ability to interact using tact and diplomacy with diverse personalities, including academic, staff, student and volunteer employees and institutions/organizations.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results.
Must be prepared to go to sea for 120 days per year.
Must be able to give and hear verbal commands in a noisy environment at sea.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lb.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $65,171 - $104,836 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $31.21 - $50.21
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
