Molecular Biology Researcher at Cherokee Nation in Gainesville, FL, United States

Job description

• Molecular Biology Researcher
• Cherokee Federal seeks a Molecular Biology Researcher to support our federal client in Gainesville, FL. You will lead molecular and genetic analyses on invasive and imperiled species, support eDNA/metabarcoding projects, conduct field sampling, and publish results that inform natural resource management. Full‑time; travel and fieldwork required.

Responsibilities

• Lead lab research on environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, population genetics, disease research, and/or genetic biocontrol (cell culture).
• Extract, purify, and quantify DNA/RNA; conduct PCR, quantitative PCR (qPCR), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR); gel electrophoresis; primer design; troubleshoot protocols; phenol‑chloroform isolations.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment: pipettors, thermocyclers, spectrophotometers, DNA analyzers, centrifuges, power supplies; manage inventory; prepare solutions and reagents.
• Prepare, collect, verify samples; maintain detailed records; tabulate, statistically analyze, and summarize data; ensure QA for lab and microscope analyses.
• Train and assist scientists, students, and volunteers; coordinate lab activities; support outreach materials and present at scientific meetings; contribute to proposals and manuscripts.
• Plan and conduct multi‑day fieldwork; acquire biological samples and environmental data; prepare equipment, datasheets, and instruments; operate vehicles; work in adverse conditions.
• Perform literature reviews; organize data, digital documents, databases, and metadata; communicate with collaborators; facilitate meetings and workshops; support federal approval processes.
• Meet performance milestones; submit deliverables on schedule; ensure safety compliance; prepare data files and graphics for reports/presentations; catalog and archive all data.
• Remedy monitoring/data issues promptly; notify government representatives when additional technical assistance is needed.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• PhD with 5+ years of experience required.
• Hands on experience with DNA sequencing; eDNA or qPCR metabarcoding preferred; experience preferred.
• Proficiency in PCR/qPCR/ddPCR, DNA/RNA extraction and quantification, primer design, gel electrophoresis, phenol chloroform isolations, and lab equipment operation/maintenance.
• Strong data management and statistical analysis skills; ability to maintain accurate records and QA standards.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; strong communication and training skills; manuscript and presentation experience preferred.
• Extensive R coding experience required.
• Willingness and physical ability to perform extended fieldwork in harsh conditions.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Skills

Required

• PCR/qPCR/ddPCR
• DNA/RNA extraction and quantification
• primer design
• gel electrophoresis
• phenol chloroform isolations
• lab equipment operation/maintenance
• data management
• statistical analysis
• R coding
• fieldwork
• communication
• training

Preferred

• DNA sequencing
• eDNA or qPCR metabarcoding
• manuscript and presentation experience

Benefits

• Pay commensurate with experience.
• Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.