Biological Science Laboratory Technician

Biological Science Laboratory Technician

Location: Seattle, WA, USA

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is a public international organisation established by a Convention between Canada and the United States of America, providing research and stock management advice on Pacific halibut. We are seeking a full-time Biological Science Laboratory Technician to support research projects conducted by the IPHC Secretariat.

The IPHC is a public international organization and as such will consider applicants regardless of nationality. Non-US Citizens will be required to obtain a G4 VISA for work in the USA, with the assistance of the Secretariat.

OVERVIEW

Under the direction of the Biological and Ecosystem Science Branch Manager, the Biological Science Laboratory Technician is responsible for the operation and management of the Biological and Ecosystem Science laboratory and for assisting in IPHC research projects investigating aspects of the Pacific halibut biology that include population genomics, epigenetics, reproduction and growth. The position requires excellent technical and organizational skills, flexibility in completing work assignments, good interpersonal and priority-setting skills, and the ability to work well with all levels of the IPHC Secretariat, as well as outside contacts and vendors.

Employment date: 15 October 2025 subject to availability.

Duration: Regular Full-Time (Exempt).

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Duties

• Manage the Biological and Ecosystem Science laboratory, involving ordering of supplies and laboratory equipment, and create and maintain an inventory of biological samples, laboratory supplies and equipment;
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment;
• Process and analyse biological samples from Pacific halibut resulting from IPHC research activities;
• Establish technical and analytical protocols in the Biological and Ecosystem Science laboratory;
• Responsible for laboratory safety, inventory and documentation of chemicals, and coordination with IPHC safety officer;
• Train Secretariat staff to conduct specific techniques as needed;
• Responsible for supervising and evaluating laboratory work conducted by undergraduate interns as part of the IPHC Internship program. Responsible for coordinating and developing research projects in conjunction with other Secretariat staff.

Secondary Duties

• May also participate in the collection of biological samples in the field;
• Comply fully with all IPHC policies, including but not limited to the Business Ethics and Conduct, and to declare any actual or potential perceived conflicts of interest (Secretariat staff are prohibited from holding or being the beneficiary for any interest in the Pacific halibut industry);
• As in all positions at the IPHC, carry out other duties as assigned as part of a small and flexible organisation.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in relevant scientific discipline (e.g. marine biology, fisheries, fish physiology, fish genetics, zoology, environmental science, etc.);
• At least three years of specialised experience performing technical work on (1) DNA purification and genotyping techniques, (2) next generation sequencing library preparation, and (3) gene expression analyses by quantitative real-time PCR;
• Knowledge of bioinformatics applications for PCR primer design, quantitative real-time PCR data analyses, and transcriptome sequence analyses;
• Knowledge of computer functions related to data input and retrieval, and routine analysis of data.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: This position is rated as an IPHC-GS-10. The position is expected to be offered within the range of US$76,358.24 and US$91,631.80 in the first year. Subject to satisfactory performance, step increases may be awarded annually, beginning at the end of the first year.

Benefits: The IPHC offers a highly competitive and generous benefits scheme. Benefits include but are not limited the following:

• 100% employer paid medical coverage option and dental insurance for employee and eligible dependents;
• 100% employer paid life insurance, AD&D, Group Specified Disease, Group Accident, short- and long-term disability for the employee;
• Employer funded health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Employees must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) to participate;
• 403(b) savings program with a 7% base salary contribution by the employer commencing on the first date of employment, and up to 5% matching in addition to the 7% after 6 months of continuous employment.

Relocation expenses: The IPHC may provide transportation (most direct and economical means from your designated home location to and from your duty station, as well as applicable Per Diem allowance (lodging, meals, and incidentals) in accordance with relevant IPHC travel policies.

Application

Deadline: The post is open until filled; however, the first review of applications will occur on 22 September 2025.

Applications must be submitted through the IPHC website at . For your application to be considered eligible, you must submit: 1) a succinct (1 page maximum) cover letter stating your overall claims to the position against the minimum requirements; and 2) a curriculum vitae.

For more information about this position, please email [email protected] and cite Position Reference Number 2025-005.

A satisfactory background check is a condition of employment.

IPHC SECRETARIAT

INTERNATIONAL PACIFIC HALIBUT COMMISSION

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E-MAIL: [email protected]