Pro Tem Research Assistant
About The Position
The Research Assistant supports the Streisfeld lab’s evolutionary biology research through hands-on work with live plants in the University of Oregon greenhouse, molecular genetic work in the laboratory, and laboratory maintenance. The position helps maintain lab operations and, under the direction of Dr. Streisfeld, designs and conducts experiments, interprets data, trains other researchers, and maintains laboratory equipment. The Research Assistant makes independent decisions about setting up experiments involving DNA isolation, genome sequencing, gene expression, and genetic crossing for studies of plant evolution. The role also involves consulting scientific literature or lab members as needed; troubleshooting experiments; deciding how to present data and care for equipment and reagents; and formulating and addressing research questions. These decisions can affect the lab’s research efficiency and scientific direction. The employee meets with the principal investigator at least once per week and works in frequent contact with undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and Dr. Streisfeld.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or a related field.
- One year of experience working in a biology research laboratory.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with molecular biology, including DNA and RNA isolation, genome library preparation, and gene expression.
- Experience working with plants in a greenhouse setting.
- Training in botany, plant ecology, evolution, or genetics.
Responsibilities
- Support the Streisfeld lab’s research and help maintain laboratory functions.
- Work with live plants in the University of Oregon greenhouse and conduct molecular genetic work in the laboratory.
- Design and conduct experiments involving DNA isolation, genome sequencing, gene expression, and genetic crossing.
- Interpret data and formulate and address research questions.
- Troubleshoot experiments and determine how to present data.
- Care for laboratory equipment and reagents, and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Train other researchers in the laboratory.
- Meet with the laboratory principal investigator at least once per week.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
