Description

The Genetics Lab Technician assists with the coordination and management of the FWP genetics program under the direction of the Genetic Program Manager and Wildlife Conservation Geneticist. The position is housed in the University of Montana Fish and Wildlife Genomics Lab (FWGL), and will work closely with other staff at the FWGL and FWP as part of a long-term cooperative agreement between FWP and the University of Montana. This position is responsible for coordinating the submission of FWP genetic samples to FWGL, molecular analysis of those samples, genetic data quality assurance, and entry of FWP metadata and genetic data into appropriate databases. This position will also work with FWGL staff to help ensure rapid sample turn around, sample tracking, lab maintenance, inventory and purchasing, curation of all biological samples (DNA and tissue, etc.), and cleaning and decontamination of lab equipment or spaces as needed. Among other tasks, this position will help develop the laboratory methods associated with terrestrial wildlife genetic monitoring in Montana, which in turn, will require expertise in, or desire to learn, non-invasive genetic methods.

Job Duties:

• Process wildlife genetic samples (e.g., blood, hair, scat, or tissue) using specified, established genetic protocols.
• Help develop new genetic or genomic protocols and lab methods, as needed.
• Conduct basic data production (i.e., genotyping), QA/QC evaluation, and summarization of genetic samples using appropriate analysis pipelines or methods.
• Help maintain and enhance curation and organization of biological samples prior to, during, and after analysis.
• Prepares samples or DNA extract for shipping to other labs as needed. 
  Work closely with staff at the FWGL on updating all lab protocols and SOP's. This also includes updating all lab forms and data submission pathways.
• Work closely with FWGL staff and the FWP Geneticists on lab infrastructure. Closely monitors lab capacity to ensure sample processing times fall within standard operating procedures.
• Coordinates with FWP field staff in the Fisheries and Wildlife Divisions, as well as other agencies/entities, receives sample shipments and logs them into the sample logging system. Following established protocols, prioritizes received shipments and places in the queue for processing at the FWGL. This position will communicate with partners and internal staff on the status and tracking of samples.
• Maintains accurate, detailed, and current sample records both in written and electronic formats.
• Records sample metadata and results into FWP and FWGL managed database.
• Ensures that all lab data is updated appropriately so FWP geneticists can create reports.

Requirements

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You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.  Please apply before closing date of May 10, 2026.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a science or natural resource field and at least one year of work in a lab setting.  Experience developing population genomic marker panels and performing library preparation is desired. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.