Pro Tem Research Assistant

University of Oregon • Eugene, OR

3d

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 involves supporting lab operations and conducting research independently under the direction of Dr. Streisfeld, with the goal of contributing to high-impact discoveries in evolutionary biology.

The role includes designing and conducting experiments, interpreting data, training other researchers, and maintaining laboratory equipment. The Research Assistant works regularly with undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and Dr. Streisfeld, and meets with the principal investigator at least weekly. The position requires independent judgment in setting up experiments, troubleshooting, presenting data, caring for equipment and reagents, and formulating research questions. Work may involve DNA isolation, genome sequencing, gene expression, and genetic crossing for studies of plant evolution. Decisions should support scientific impact and experimental efficiency in the lab and the employee’s research project.

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 functions and operations of the Streisfeld laboratory.
• Design and conduct experiments involving DNA isolation, genome sequencing, gene expression, and genetic crossing for plant evolution research.
• Interpret research data and determine how to present it.
• Train other researchers in the laboratory.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, reagents, and facilities.
• Troubleshoot experiments and make decisions about experimental setup and research questions.
• Work with live plants in the University of Oregon greenhouse.
• Meet with the laboratory principal investigator at least once per week.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off

What This Job Offers

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