Position Function:
The Research Program Manager supports a federally funded marine environmental DNA (eDNA) research program at NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) in Miami, Florida. This position is responsible for the execution and coordination of laboratory, field, and administrative activities across multiple federally funded research programs focused on marine biodiversity monitoring, eDNA metabarcoding and metagenomics, and ocean data infrastructure. The Research Program Manager works under the direction of the Principal Investigator and collaborates closely with co-investigators, research staff, and external partners to ensure the integrated and timely delivery of program objectives.
Salary Grade: 16
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Northern Gulf Institute (NGI) is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Institute comprised of six academic institutions geographically distributed across the U.S. Gulf Coast states. The six NGI member institutions are Mississippi State University (lead), the University of Southern Mississippi, Florida State University, Louisiana State University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory. Together with NOAA and in support of their strategic plan, NGI conducts research on interconnections among Gulf of Mexico environments, habitats, resources, and people and engages in outreach to help others learn about and make decisions based on these interconnections.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Plan, coordinate, and execute eDNA sample processing workflows including DNA extraction, PCR amplification, amplicon library preparation, and quality control across multiple concurrent research programs, managing sample throughput of several thousand samples per year.
2. Develop, optimize, and document new eDNA metabarcoding assays targeting marine prokaryotic, eukaryotic, and vertebrate communities; evaluate assay performance and maintain standard operating protocols.
3. Coordinate field sampling operations including cruise preparation, sample collection logistics, field team coordination, and chain-of-custody documentation in collaboration with vessel operators, external partners, and NOAA program personnel.
4. Manage laboratory data using FAIR-compliant metadata standards (FAIReSheets); oversee data entry, quality control, and submission of eDNA datasets and associated metadata to public repositories including NCBI SRA and OBIS/GBIF.
5. Coordinate procurement of laboratory supplies, equipment, and services; maintain laboratory inventory and equipment records; liaise with university purchasing and compliance offices.
6. Assist the Principal Investigator with budget tracking, expenditure reconciliation, and financial reporting across multiple sponsored awards; monitor spending against project budgets and flag discrepancies.
7. Assist the Principal Investigator and co-investigators with preparation of progress reports, renewal proposals, presentations, and other grant deliverables.
8. Provide day-to-day technical guidance and mentorship to laboratory technicians, graduate students, and undergraduate interns working within the research program.
9. Maintain awareness of regulatory and compliance requirements applicable to federally funded research, including biosafety, chemical inventory, and data management obligations.
10. Perform other duties as assigned in support of NGI and NOAA research mission objectives.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in marine science, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field, plus three years of experience in a research environment. Experience must include hands-on molecular biology laboratory work and demonstrated involvement in research program coordination or project management.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in marine science, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field. Experience with eDNA metabarcoding methods including DNA extraction, PCR, and amplicon library preparation. Familiarity with FAIR data standards and submission workflows for genomic or biodiversity data repositories (NCBI, OBIS, GBIF). Experience supporting federally funded research programs, including budget tracking and grant reporting.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
•Working knowledge of molecular biology techniques applicable to environmental DNA, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, fluorometric quantification, and amplicon library preparation.
•Familiarity with metadata and data management standards for environmental and genomic data.
•Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and deadlines across several active projects.
•Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare clear technical documentation, reports, and correspondence.
•Proficiency with standard laboratory data management tools and spreadsheet software; familiarity with scientific databases preferred.
•Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-investigator, multi-institutional research environment.
•Ability to travel domestically for field operations and professional meetings.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work is performed in a research laboratory and office environment at NOAA AOML, Miami, Florida. Position requires occasional domestic travel for field sampling operations, professional conferences, and partner meetings. Some fieldwork aboard research vessels may be required.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Please include a cover letter and curriculum vitae or resume, along with the names and contact information of at least three professional references.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
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If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
