CSS is seeking qualified scientists to fill the role of Senior Coral Scientist at the Hollings Marine Laboratory located in Charleston, SC.

This position requires extensive experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, metagenomics, functional genomics, or related fields with an ability to troubleshoot any number of issues with different types of assays (e.g, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular and analytical chemistry) and different assay platforms is expected to be part of this work. The work requires the incumbent to design experiments, analyze the data and prepare written reports.

Duties:

• Determine and execute improved technologies and bioassays by applying scientific knowledge, techniques, instrumentation and methods necessary to achieve project goals.
• Plan and perform experiments, collect, record and analyze data, with communication with and oversight by the Program PI.
• Independently perform root cause analysis for method investigations . Apply open-source and vendor-developed software for data analysis
• Functions as a team member with other scientists both within and outside the agency or at other organizations in supporting discovery and applied biological research efforts.
• Assists with oversight of the day-to-day routine laboratory operations; ensuring equipment is serviced and operational and the laboratory is safe and orderly. Assists in the design and implementation of laboratory protocols and practices, and in the training of new employees.
• This work requires occasional night, early morning and weekend duty to conduct extended duration experiments or to assist in the maintenance of the culture facility in the absence of assigned personnel. Emergency situations with storms and/or power outages also may require staff to assist others if coral facility staff is not available or additional help is needed. *
• Willingness to travel for field operations nationally and occasionally internationally participating in field logistics and carrying out fieldwork to meet mission objectives.
• Keep accurate written records of all methods, procedures, and experimental results, document observations of unusual or abnormal appearance, and prepare data reports.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in one of the biological sciences (at a minimum). *
• At least 4 years of experience related to molecular biology, cellular biology, experimental design, and assay development. * Knowledge and expertise in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and/or related fields such as molecular microbiology, genomics, or toxicology. * Demonstrated laboratory experience in at least two of the following areas:

• Problem solving and troubleshooting abilities
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications
• Highly organized with a keen ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects effectively, perceptive with attention to detail, and a passion for science.
• Participate both technically and intellectually in the preparation of research proposals, presentations and make oral or poster presentations when appropriate; provide written reports of research findings; and assist in meeting annual end of the year accomplishments reporting requirements.
• Willingness to travel on occasion and coordinate field logistics (from experimental design to shipping). The incumbent will function as a member of an interdisciplinary research team to collaboratively develop projects, proposals, combining research analyses and developing reports and manuscripts.

CSS is predominantly a Federal Contractor and is subject to following the terms of Executive Orders. CSS requires all Employees (Direct, Indirect, government, state, and commercial), including employees working from home/remotely, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption. Exceptions to the COVID-19 vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the CSS HR Department.

CSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer who provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetic information. In addition to federal law requirements, CSS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.