Seeking CS or New Media Undergrad for Employment with Maine-eDNA

We are seeking an undergraduate student employee to join the Maine-eDNA team, a large NSF EPSCoR funded project (https://umaine.edu/edna/). One goal of the project is to build an integrated data repository of environmental DNA (eDNA), which is DNA obtained from fresh and marine water samples and subjected to high throughput sequencing. eDNA samples need to be stored at very low (-80C) temperatures in special freezers. Given the growing repository of stored samples we are seeking a creative student with proficient coding skills to help with design and creation of a Freezer Mapping application that will support fast and accurate location, management and retrieval of samples.

Freezer Mapping Project (This project can be done remotely)

Junior~Senior CS/New Media

As part of the Maine-eDNA team, the student will gain hands-on research experience and other professional skills to advance their career. The student will work with the UMaine Coordinated Operating Research Entities (CORE) environmental DNA (eDNA) Laboratory and the eDNA Data Management Team to facilitate the development of a web application for the management and tracking of eDNA samples.

The UMaine eDNA laboratory offers Next-Generation Sequencing, Digital Droplet PCR, and quantitative PCR. As these samples need to be stored within -80°C lab freezers to the preserve the DNA, fast and efficient tracking of sample attributes such as each sample’s remaining eDNA volume and location in the freezer is vital. The student will work closely with the eDNA laboratory to assess needs and produce a database web application built in the Django web framework.

The applicant should have a desire to learn and work through problems. Coding will be required and there will be an end of project technical report and presentation open to eDNA colleagues.

The position is full-time (40 hours per week at $12.30 per hour) during May through August, with the option to continue working part-time during the academic year.

Required

• Programming experience (Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS)
• Familiarity with GitHub and collaborative coding practices
• Familiarity with Databases with respect to web application design
• Familiarity with Linux environments (CentOS, Ubuntu)

Desired

• Familiarity with Django Framework

Applicants must be a Maine resident or, if not a Maine resident, attending a university or college in Maine.

To apply, please send the following application materials to Maine EPSCoR at maine.epscor@maine.edu: (1) Cover letter explaining interest and qualifications for this position, (2) current resume or CV, (3) a copy of unofficial academic transcript, and (4) a list of the names and contact information of three references of anyone familiar with your work performance including teachers. Applications are being accepted immediately until positions are filled.