This position seeks qualified applicants to work with collaborators at NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) on the analysis of existing and future datasets using bioinformatics tools for population genomics and environmental DNA approaches.

The ideal candidate will also provide data management support. Work will include the development, validation, and training for the use of bioinformatic tools. Data analysis could include lcWGS to variant calling, RADseq data analysis for population genomics, eDNA metabarcoding bioinformatics analysis of marine fish and mammal species, and genome skimming assembly of whole mitochondrial genomes from vouchered marine specimens.

This hire will work closely both with NWFSC project leads as well as bioinformaticists hired across NOAA Fisheries Science Centers in support of the Omics Inflation Reduction Act Strategic Initiative, which uses population genomic and eDNA approaches in support of protected species, ecosystems, and fisheries stock assessments.

Data Management Specialists (Natural Sciences) use a background in the natural sciences as they assist in the population, maintenance, enhancement and distribution of databases. They locate, obtain, standardize, enter, verify, and correct various data sets related to project goals and work plans.

Essential Functions: The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this position.

At the lower end of the range, Data Management Specialists (Natural Sciences):

- Compile project data into standardized electronic data formats. This includes accessing filed information and verifying its accuracy and completeness, performing data entry, electronic data transfer, editing, and error checking.

- Extract relevant data which may be presented in many different text and numeric formats, reports, tables, graphics, or figures.

- Maintain local versions of datasets in accordance with established regional database

exchange formats and standards.

- Maintain a local archive of current and historical reports and documents. Coordinate the regular transfer of reference materials to archives and libraries.

- Train technical and general users in the use of database and/or bioinformatics applications through individual instruction and/or group presentations.

- Create queries, summaries, and/or maps in response to requests for customized data.

- Prepare and manipulate various data and graphic outputs for use in reports, presentations and internet applications using standardized retrieval scripts.

At the upper end of the range, employees:

- Develop and implement databases and libraries, data management plans. Includes acquiring new data as well as taking previously created or historical databases or spreadsheets and integrating them. Data sources vary in format including database, spreadsheet, and survey data sets. Custom interfaces may be required.

- Produce written research and statistical reports (including graphs, tables, maps, and text), data sets, and data summaries using a variety of analytical techniques and software tools.

This involves the master-level use of database retrieval, bioinformatics, or command-line scripts.

Salary Range: $26.39 - $41.97/hour

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of experience and education may be presented. Candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** AND four years of successfully completed education above high

school in the natural sciences (biology, fishery biology, environmental science, aquatic science, geology, chemistry, physics, mathematics). An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled. To be creditable, Specialized Experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

Knowledge Required by the Position

The employee must have knowledge of:

• natural sciences
• computers and software packages and applications for databases, spreadsheets, and word processing
• data management concepts, principles, and methods
• quality assurance principles
• technical documentation methods and procedures
• analytical methods and common query languages
• the organization's data sets sufficient to: input data; structure information retrievals; edit, combine and manipulate data; and/or provide reports for users. This knowledge allows the employee to assess the results and relate that to the overall objective of the assignment.

Additional Mandatory/Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

• R
• Database software
• Linux / command-line programming (bash, python, Perl, C, or similar)
• Bioinformatics software, including that used for genome or transcriptome assembly, genome alignment, genome or transcriptome annotation, variant calling, gene expression analysis, population genomic analysis, eDNA metabarcoding analysis and database building/curation

Supervisory Controls:

Work is assigned in terms of project goals, objectives, priorities, and, at times, specific tasks.

At the lower end of the range, the employee will exercise initiative in solving common technical and procedural problems. Unusual issues are referred to the supervisor or higher-graded employee for consultation or review.

At the upper end of the range, the employee plans and carries out assignments with independence, guided by experience and knowledge to complete the objective. He/she seeks assistance only on the most unusual issues. Sufficiency of planning and execution, and accuracy of the data produced are normally accepted without detailed review, even for customized assignments.

Guidelines:

Guidelines include PSMFC standards and policies; project work plans; data submission protocol documents; established database structures, data definitions, and data standards; and various hardware and software manuals.

At the lower end of the range, the guidelines are clear and provide little room for deviation,

except as provided in documented precedents or suggestions for alternative data entry and retrieval strategies. New or revised job requirements or requests for data that cannot be processed within the existing guidelines are discussed with the supervisor or higher level employee.

At the higher end of the range, the employee reviews each work request and selects and interprets guidelines to achieve the desired end product.

Personal Contacts:

Contacts are with employees in PSMFC; federal, state, or tribal agencies; university researchers, private/non-profit organizations, and the general public.

Purpose of Contacts:

The purpose of the contacts is to exchange information and ensure that project goals are being met through coordination, planning, and mutual support. Communication between contacts resolves problems with data; affords the exchange of information, ideas, and concepts; and allows for the acquisition of products and information.

Physical Demands:

The work is generally sedentary, although there may be some nominal walking or standing for short periods of time, or carrying of light loads of papers, books, reports, etc. that require only moderate physical ability and physical stress. Participation in field work may be possible and would include driving a vehicle or participating in the collection of samples or data aboard a boat.

Work Environment:

The works area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. The work involves the common risks or discomforts typical of office, meeting rooms, libraries, and the like.