"RF Molecular Ecologist"

RF Molecular Ecologist

Description of Department:

The Aquatic Conservation Laboratory is a dynamic research hub based at SUNY Oswego, operating at the forefront of applied molecular ecology. Our lab functions as a central node within a rich, deeply integrated collaborative network, and our primary mission is to develop cutting-edge science that directly informs conservation and management action. The day-to-day environment is filled with PhD-level colleagues and partners from leading agencies.

This deeply collaborative structure is a cornerstone of our identity. We work in constant partnership with collaborators at the USGS, USFWS, NYSDEC, TNC, and tribal agencies like the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. This offers our researchers unparalleled opportunities to co-author impactful publications, contribute to securing funding, and ensure their work has a tangible, real-world impact on regional and national policy. While the position is affiliated with the vibrant academic community at SUNY Oswego, it is a full-time research role employed through the SUNY Research Foundation.

The Research Foundation (RF) at the State University of New York at Oswego invites applications for a full-time RF Molecular Ecologist to join our team. This is a critical role for our rapidly developing lab, offering an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful conservation efforts.

While this position is affiliated with the SUNY Oswego campus, it is a Research Foundation position, not a New York State position.

Posting Date: October 9, 2025

Review Date: Review of applications will begin two weeks after posting the job and will continue until the position is filled.

Compensation: $60,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience, plus a complete Research Foundation benefits package.

Benefit Information: The Research Foundation for SUNY provides an excellent benefit package. Click here for more information.

Date of Appointment: As soon as possible

Description of Responsibilities:

The Senior Research Associate will provide scientific leadership for the lab's environmental nucleic acid projects, driving research from concept to publication. This role involves spearheading the design, validation, and application of novel eDNA, eRNA, and enDNA markers to address key conservation challenges for native fish, such as detecting cryptic spawning and differentiating related species. The incumbent will design and execute foundational experiments to clarify the transport, persistence, and ecological meaning of nucleic acid signals in large aquatic systems. Responsibilities also include implementing and overseeing advanced molecular analyses (e.g., qPCR, dPCR, metabarcoding), managing bioinformatics pipelines (e.g., DADA2, QIIME2), and working closely with a network of agencies (e.g., USGS, USFWS, NYSDEC), tribal (e.g., SRMT), and other organizations (e.g., TNC) partners to translate findings into actionable management outcomes. Finally, the role requires leading the publication of findings in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at scientific conferences, and providing scientific guidance and mentorship to lab personnel.

SUNY Oswego works continuously to create an inclusive environment which respects, embraces, and promotes cultural safety, belonging, civil discourse, cultural humility, and other values and goals outlined in SUNY Oswego's Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Plan. As such, the incumbent is expected to contribute to these efforts and possess communication and interpersonal skills necessary to engage effectively with an increasingly diverse community of students and colleagues.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Molecular Ecology, Genetics, Fisheries Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Significant hands-on research experience in a molecular ecology laboratory.
• Demonstrated expertise in the complete eDNA/eRNA workflow, from field sampling and sample processing to DNA/RNA extraction and purification.
• Proven experience developing, optimizing, and validating species-specific molecular assays (e.g., qPCR, dPCR).
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex molecular ecology experiments.
• Strong quantitative skills and experience with statistical analysis of ecological and molecular data.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-based research environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in one of the fields listed above.
• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals demonstrating expertise in eDNA/eRNA, aquatic science, or conservation genetics.
• Specific, demonstrated expertise in eRNA methods, including sample preservation, extraction, and reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR).
• Proficiency in bioinformatics for analyzing high-throughput sequencing data, including hands-on experience with metabarcoding pipelines (e.g., DADA2, QIIME2, Mothur).
• Experience with custom script development for data analysis and visualization (e.g., R, Python).
• A background in Great Lakes fish ecology and reproductive biology.
• Experience writing or contributing to grant proposals.
• Experience mentoring junior researchers or students.

Search Chair: If you have any questions about the position, please e-mail: Nicholas Sard, Search Chair at nicholas.sard@oswego.edu

To apply, visit http://oswego.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=193735