ABOUT WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY:Willamette University, founded in 1842, is a nationally-renowned private university enrolling 2800 students across five colleges. Our historic campus, adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, hosts a distinguished undergraduate liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon. Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a wide range of professional graduate programs, including Oregon's top-ranked MBA program, the Northwest's oldest law school, as well as MA/MFA programs at PNCA and master's degrees in data science and computer science.Willamette University provides a high-value and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our Benefits Summary includes options for health, dental, life insurance, retirement, substantial paid time off, tuition and more. If you need assistance applying for a job or have any questions on recruitment at Willamette, please contact our HR Department, ...@willamette.edu or call us at 503-###-####.
LABORATORY TECHNICIANThe technician will join the laboratory of Dr. Christopher Smith in the Department of Biology at Willamette University in Salem. The Smith lab studies the evolutionary ecology of plants, insects, and fungi using experimental, genetic, and genomic approaches. The technician will work under supervision of Dr. Smith and Ms. Ramona Flatz performing research laboratory experiments and maintaining laboratory operations.This position will provide support for ecology and conservation biology through genetic analysis of plants and soil. The position will perform research/support including collection of biological materials in the field, DNA extraction, DNA library prep, data collection and data analysis.This position is planned for a one year duration, renewable depending on grant funding availability.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesCompletes laboratory and field research tasks including:
- Follows all laboratory safety procedures.
- Works with independently or with minimal supervision
- Processes biological samples including plant tissue, soil, and insects.
- Extracts DNA from plant, animal, and fungal tissues
- Amplifies DNA by polymerase chain reaction.
- Prepares genomic DNA and DNA libraries for sequencing on an Illumina platform.
- Records and enters data in electronic databases.
- Maintains written and electronic records of research procedures.
- Trains and supports undergraduate researchers.
- Prepares regular written progress reports for the laboratory director.
- Completes data analysis with supervision from laboratory staff.
- Participates in group meetings with lab staff, students, and funding agencies.
- Collects plant tissue and soil from field sites.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field.
- Laboratory research experience in molecular biology, ecological genetics, or related areas.
- Detail oriented and organized, willing to meet deadlines, adaptable, and dependable.
- Takes initiative, willing to learn new skills, and can work well independently and within a team.
- Able to follow written and oral instructions.
- Promotes a collaborative and inclusive research environment for faculty, staff, and students.
Preferred Qualifications- One year work experience in biological sciences.
- Experience with laboratory techniques in genome sciences.
- Expertise in bioinformatics and/or data science.
- Expertise in botany, mycology, or entomology.
- Field research experience.
Typical Work Schedule - Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm.
- Travel for up to a week may occasionally be required.
- This position is planned for a one year duration, renewable depending on grant funding availability
Physical Demands and Working ConditionsTypical work is performed in a normal office environment as well as in a lab environment. Some handling of hazardous lab materials is expected.
Salary: $23/ hourYou will need to upload the following documents as part of your application materials in the My Experience section labeled Resume:
- Cover letter addressing the required/desired qualifications and presenting any other applicant characteristics which deserve emphasis
- Current Resume
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as received until the position is filled. Applications should be received by January 8, 2024 for full consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY VALUES DIVERSITY:Believing that diversity contributes to academic excellence and to rich and rewarding communities, WU is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff and student body. We seek candidates, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, whose work furthers diversity and who bring to campus varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.
BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT:All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process. To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachmentslisted at the bottom of the pagemust be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.