Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
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Fisheries Geneticist

Closing Date: Open until filled.

We seek a Fisheries Geneticist with experience in population genomics and association mapping and an in-depth knowledge of current molecular genomics techniques. This position is located with the genetics group at the Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station in Hagerman, ID. This research group tests conservation, evolution, and ecological theories related to salmonids and other fishes in support of CRITFC’s fish restoration plan, Wy-Kan-Ush-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit “Spirit of the Salmon”. The aim of this work is to assist with salmon recovery in the Columbia River basin to ensure that the four CRITFC member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama) retain traditional salmon fisheries as they have through millennia. The Fisheries Geneticist will focus on applying empirical genetics/genomics data to address questions related to conservation and recovery of steelhead, Chinook, sockeye, and coho salmon, white sturgeon, Pacific lamprey, and other fishes of the Columbia River Basin.

CRITFC offers competitive compensation and an exceptional benefits package, including medical, dental, 401(k), 12 days of vacation (to start), 12 paid holidays, and paid sick time. We provide professional development opportunities, promote from within, and have a Native hiring preference as part of our commitment to our people. As a result, you will find a work environment that supports and inspires our shared goals of protecting the natural world and the tribal cultural connection to it.

Position Details

  • Classification: Regular, Full time, Exempt
  • Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a one-hour unpaid lunch
  • Pay: $77,464 – 85,212
  • Department: Fishery Science
  • Location: Hagerman, ID
  • Recruitment Period: Application review begins on 2/20/23 and will continue until position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Contact Shawn Narum, Senior Scientist/Lead Geneticist if you wish to have an informal conversation in advance of a formal application.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct laboratory analyses with next generation sequencing methods.
  • Perform data analysis with heavy emphasis on population genetics/genomics.
  • Develop sampling designs and protocols for studies.
  • Execute research in accord with developed proposals.
  • Produce reports and peer reviewed publications of key scientific results.
  • Develop research proposals to attract extramural funding.
  • Participate in interagency workgroups.
  • Provide technical advice and reviews in the areas of genetics and conservation biology to tribal staff, legal counsel, and policy makers.

Qualifications

  • PhD in field of molecular biology, genetics, fishery biology, ecology or a related discipline.
  • Research experience related to population or conservation genetics.
  • In depth knowledge and experience with current molecular genomics techniques (e.g., GT-seq, whole genome resequencing, Pool-seq, sequence capture, RAD-seq, RNA-seq).
  • Excellent understanding of population genetics theory.
  • Experience in statistical analyses and the relevant software.
  • High competency in both R and Linux frameworks.
  • Publication record of articles in peer reviewed journals.
  • Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop, guide and work within interdisciplinary teams.
  • Experience or competence in fishery biology is a plus.
  • Database experience, programming skills on Linux/Unix operating systems, and competency in Shell, Bash, Python, and Perl scripting is a plus.
  • Knowledge of the fishes of the Columbia River and western United States is a plus.
  • Enrolled membership in a tribal organization or a strong desire to be of service to a tribal organization. Knowledge of or dedication to learn tribal history and customs of CRITFC’s four member tribes.

Supervision

This role reports to Shawn Narum, Senior Scientist/Lead Geneticist. The role may assist in the supervision of technicians.


Working Conditions

Most of the work is performed in a laboratory or office setting. There will be opportunities to participate in field sampling, sometimes in adverse outdoor conditions. This role will attend regional meetings, conferences and workshops, so must be able to travel occasionally.


CRITFC Motor Vehicle Policy

If job duties require driving a CRITFC vehicle or your own vehicle for business (mileage compensated), you must be able to meet the terms of the CRITFC Motor Vehicle policy. Per the policy, applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the past three years. This includes a three-year record clear of the following:

  • Reckless Driving
  • Driving Under the Influence
  • Suspension or revoked license
  • No more than two at-fault accidents
  • One major violation or two minor violations.
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Application Procedure

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Application review begins on 2/20/23 and will continue until position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Contact Shawn Narum, Senior Scientist/Lead Geneticist if you wish to have an informal conversation in advance of a formal application.

The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) requires all new employees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first day of employment.



Download Application Form

Submit application form and any additional application materials by email to jobs@critfc.org. Include job title in the subject line. We will confirm receipt of your submission.



Hiring preference:
CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply.

CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.

CRITFC will consider non-citizen applicants who are authorized to work in the U.S. If not authorized to work in the U.S., CRITFC will provide reasonable support and accommodations to the candidate in obtaining U.S. work authorization. With the exception of certain employer required costs, CRITFC will not pay for costs related to applicant’s legal representation, filings for work authorization or immigration, or other costs related to obtaining work authorization.

*Please note: the term “Commission” as used in this description refers to CRITFC’s governing body. CRITFC is a tribal organization that is wholly owned and governed by the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. As a tribal organization, CRITFC is subject to a unique blend of policies and laws.