Research Assistant

SJSU Research Foundation • San Jose, CA

24d • $30

About The Position

This Research Assistant position involves supporting neuroscience research in the VanHoven Lab at SJSU by performing experiments with C. elegans, including genetic, microscopy, behavioral, and molecular biology work. The role also includes ensuring lab safety compliance by maintaining chemical inventories, following required protocols, and helping train new students. Additionally, the assistant manages lab supplies and provides support to student researchers as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or Chemistry required.
• Minimum of two years of research experience in a biology or chemistry laboratory.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and fostering an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Must have at least two years of experience conducting neuroscience experiments using C. elegans, including genetic crosses, microscopy, behavioral assays, and molecular biology experiments.
• Must have at least one year of experience with safety compliance, including maintaining an updated chemical inventory in the RSS system, assisting with training new students, and staying in compliance with biological use authorizations (BUAs) and chemical standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other safety requirements.
• Must be able to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, NIH ImageJ Software.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology or Biochemistry preferred.
• A research publication in the area of biology or chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Conducting neuroscience experiments using C. elegans, including genetic crosses, microscopy, behavioral assays, and molecular biology experiments.
• Ensuring safety compliance, including maintaining an updated chemical inventory in the RSS system, assisting with training new students, and staying in compliance with biological use authorizations (BUAs) and chemical standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other safety requirements.
• Responsible for ordering supplies and equipment as necessary, and assisting student researchers as needed.
• Responsible for promoting a respectful laboratory environment with equitable opportunities for all students.

Benefits

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).
• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.
• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.
• 14 paid federal & state holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.
• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.
• Employee discounts.
• Paid training and professional-development conferences.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees