NATURAL RESOURCES BIOLOGIST III **REPOST**

Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory Biomolecular & eDNA Specialist

16

904 S. Morris St., Oxford, MD 21654

The main purpose of this position is to conduct biological research and monitoring tasks as part of the Cooperative Oxford Laboratory (COL) Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory Project in Oxford, Maryland. This position serve as a lead biologist for the laboratory’s biomolecular and eDNA laboratories. The position increases knowledge on diseases affecting the natural aquatic living resources of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay by developing and performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for qualitative and quantitative detection of pathogen DNAs in shellfish and finfish tissues, cultured cells, and environmental samples. This position develops and performs immunoassays and in situ DNA probe hybridization (ISH) assays for the detection and identification of pathogens of shellfish and finfish of economic and ecological importance in histological and other samples. The position assists in field collection of samples and other lab projects as needed. This includes drawing blood samples from live shellfish, and dissections or biopsies of both live and dead shellfish and finfish to obtain solid tissue samples. The position extracts, preserves, and analyzes nucleic acids from tissue and cell samples. The position preserves, processes, and stains histological and cytological samples for microscopic analyses, using histochemical stains, antibodies, and DNA probes. The position isolates, propagates, identifies, experimentally manipulates, and cryopreserves pathogen cell cultures in vitro. The position performs microbiological assays on tissue samples and analyzes results. The position maintains and operates sophisticated laboratory equipment, and follows strict safety procedures during common procedures that use hazardous laboratory chemicals and equipment

The Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services in Oxford Maryland is currently accepting applications for a Natural Resources Biologist II – Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory Biomolecular and eDNA Specialist. The purpose of this position is to conduct biological research and monitoring tasks as part of the Cooperative Oxford Laboratory (COL) Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory Project in Oxford, Maryland. This position serve as a lead biologist for the laboratory’s biomolecular and eDNA laboratories. The position increases knowledge on diseases affecting the natural aquatic living resources of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay by developing and performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for qualitative and quantitative detection of pathogen DNAs in shellfish and finfish tissues, cultured cells, and environmental samples. This position develops and performs immunoassays and in situ DNA probe hybridization (ISH) assays for the detection and identification of pathogens of shellfish and finfish of economic and ecological importance in histological and other samples. The position assists in field collection of samples and other lab projects as needed. This includes drawing blood samples from live shellfish, and dissections or biopsies of both live and dead shellfish and finfish to obtain solid tissue samples. The position extracts, preserves, and analyzes nucleic acids from tissue and cell samples. The position preserves, processes, and stains histological and cytological samples for microscopic analyses, using histochemical stains, antibodies, and DNA probes. The position isolates, propagates, identifies, experimentally manipulates, and cryopreserves pathogen cell cultures in vitro. The position performs microbiological assays on tissue samples and analyzes results. The position maintains and operates sophisticated laboratory equipment, and follows strict safety procedures during common procedures that use hazardous laboratory chemicals and equipment. The position participates as an essential member of a team that acquires diagnostic tissue samples for disease assays from live oysters during an annual survey of Maryland oyster populations as well as from finfish for fish health inspections of fish located on Maryland state hatcheries.

Experience: Four years of professional experience conducting research and analysis in the fields of biology, biochemistry, environmental science, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology, physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management or zoology and four years of experience in performing professional biological work in the field of natural resources management.

1. Experience in biomolecular and eDNA analysis of fish and shellfish pathogens.
2. Experience in developing and performing immunoassays and in situ DNA probe hybridization (ISH) assays for the detection and identification of pathogens of shellfish and finfish.
3. Experience in histology, microscopy, cell culture, bacteriology, virology and/or polymerase chain reaction(PCR).

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates may be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

Your application is part of the examination process. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position. The rating will be based on the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is important you provide all the experience and education related to this position completely and accurately.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS