DNA Manipulation and Sequencing Specialist

UC Santa Cruz · Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Pay: $55,000–$58,600/yr
Hours: Full-time (100%)
Where: Santa Cruz, CA
Posted: Sep 10

The UCSC Paleogenomics Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a DNA Manipulation and Sequencing Specialist. The Paleogenomics Laboratory is a joint venture between Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Professor Beth Shaprio and Biomolecular Engineering Professor Ed Green.

Under the direction of Dr. Ed Green, the successful candidate will support and assist in research that uses a genomics approach to understand how genetic variation is distributed among populations over geographic space, and how this changes through time.

The duties of this job are to: 1) extract DNA from a variety of tissues, including bone, hair, and other tissues, using in-house protocols; 2) assess the quality of DNA extractions using PCR and other quantitation methods; 3) prepare and quantify genomic libraries for next-generation sequencing; 4) perform next generation se…

What they want

Bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent foreign degree) in molecular biology, evolutionary biology, or a related scientific field.
A minimum of six months’ previous experience in laboratory research (this may include experience gained while earning degree).
Knowledge of and experience with troubleshooting DNA extraction, PCR amplification, genomic library preparation, and DNA sequencing protocols.
Bioinformatic skills, including knowledge of command-line interfaces and UNIX as well as pipelines for analysis of quality control of NGS data.
Your application must demonstrate (e.g., in your C.V. or cover letter) that you meet all of the basic qualifications when you submit your application. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

Starts: May 5, 2026