Research Assistant

University of Maine System • Orono, ME

4h • $35,000 - $37,000

About The Position

This is a research assistant position in the School of Biology and Ecology at
the University of Maine with the Tan lab. Responsibilities focus primarily on
activities of plant genetics and potato breeding projects at the University of
Maine and as part of diploid potato breeding project, although the research
assistant will perform duties pertaining to other grant funded projects. The
research assistant conducts laboratory- and field-based scientific research
following established protocols, organizes and manages data, gives presentations
for scientific and lay audiences, and assists in preparing scientific
publications. Much of these tasks are completed in coordination with other
members of the lab, including a Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Associate and
faculty supervisors. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is
$35,000 to $37,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and
graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional
campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space
grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine
System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university
and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing
excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world.

Requirements

• Typically has the education associated with a bachelor’s degree in biology, plant sciences, biological sciences, botany, or other related field, and at least one year of molecular biology, plant care, and greenhouse experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience conducting laboratory and field work.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in teams with students, research associates, and the faculty supervisor.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in microscopy, histology and cytology in preparation of chromosome spreads from roots, and meiotic spreads from plant germlines.
• Previous experience in molecular biology such as nucleic acid extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, data analysis and microscopy techniques.
• Previous experience conducting research involving potato breeding, including plant tissue culture, greenhouse maintenance, perform inter-crossing to generate true potato seed and associated field work.

Responsibilities

• Conducts laboratory- and field-based scientific research following established protocols
• Organizes and manages data
• Gives presentations for scientific and lay audiences
• Assists in preparing scientific publications

Benefits

• tuition benefits (employee and dependent)
• comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability
• retirement plan options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level