Laboratory Research Assistant
We are looking for a laboratory assistant to help with a number of projects in the lab, the greenhouse, and the field.
40% Greenhouse and Field work as assigned. Help to set up experiments, count seeds, collect data, water plants, harvest and weigh plant material. Help with field work, including plant identification and vegetation monitoring.
40% Laboratory tasks as assigned. Microscopy. Routine microbiology (e.g. sterile technique, working with fungal cultures) and molecular techniques (DNA extraction, PCR).
10% Data entry. Proofreading data for quality control. Scanning and image analysis.
10% Miscellaneous: Equipment maintenance and supplies inventory. Laboratory organization and cleanup. Ordering supplies in CruzBuy. Other duties as assigned.
Note that percent time on different tasks will vary, depending on seasonal projects and laboratory experiments going on at any given point in time.
Required skills, knowledge, and abilities:
Major in Plant Science, ENVS, Biology or related field, with knowledge of plants. Good communication skills, hard worker. Neat and organized. Must be able to follow instructions and pay close attention to detail. Must have initiative and problem solving skills. Must work independently at skilled tasks and be a creative problem-solver.
Preferred skills, knowledge, and abilities:
Familiarity with computers and database software. Previous field experience. Understanding of statistics. Laboratory experience with molecular techniques. Volunteer or paid experience working in a plant evolutionary ecology lab.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: