Pro Tem Research Assistant

University of Oregon; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The University of Oregon’s Institute of Ecology and Evolution invites applications for a Research Assistant in the Streisfeld lab. This 12‑month position combines hands-on plant work in the greenhouse with molecular genetics in the lab and ongoing laboratory maintenance.

You will design and conduct experiments, interpret data, train other researchers, manage equipment, and interact with undergraduates, graduates, and postdocs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field.
• One year of experience working in a biology research laboratory.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Streisfeld lab functions and equipment.
• Design and conduct experiments for DNA isolation, genome sequencing, gene expression.
• Interpret data and present results to team.
• Train other researchers in the laboratory.
• Meet with the lab PI once per week.

Skills

Laboratory teamwork

Science communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Department: Institute of Ecology and Evolution

Rank: Research Assistant

Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins: November 20, 2026; position open until filled

Department Summary

The Institute of Ecology and Evolution (IE²) is a research institute that reports to the Vice President for Research and Innovation. We have 22 labs and approximately 150 employees, including 50 graduate students who train in our labs. We have an administrative structure, which includes accounting, purchasing, personnel, and PI support.

Position Summary

This Research Assistant position will involve a mix of hands‑on research working with live plants in the UO greenhouse, molecular genetic work in the laboratory, and laboratory maintenance duties. The purpose of this position is to support the efforts of the Streisfeld lab, as well as independently (under the direction of Dr. Streisfeld), to make high‑impact discoveries in the field of evolutionary biology.

The essential responsibilities will be to help maintain the functions of the Streisfeld lab, while also designing and conducting experiments, interpreting data, training other researchers in the laboratory, and maintaining laboratory equipment. The hire will have constant contact with other lab researchers (undergraduate and graduate students, and postdocs) and with Dr. Streisfeld. This person will make independent decisions about how to set up experiments for DNA isolation, genome sequencing, gene expression, and genetic crossing for studies of plant evolution. This may require referring to the scientific literature or asking other lab members. They will also make decisions about how to troubleshoot experiments that are not working, how to present data, how to care for equipment and reagents, and how to formulate and address key questions in their research. These decisions are important and could impact the efficiency of research in the Streisfeld lab, as well as its scientific direction.

Because the experiments could be published in scientific journals and funded by the federal government, job‑level decisions can also have an impact on the success of the University of Oregon, the National Science Foundation, and the federal funding of basic research. Judgment should, therefore, be executed with commensurate responsibility.

At a minimum, the Research Assistant will meet with the laboratory principal investigator once per week.

The guideline for job‑related decisions will be to maximize scientific impact and experimental efficiency of the Streisfeld lab and of the hire’s own research project.

The online application includes the name and contact information of at least three professional references. The candidate will be notified prior to references being contacted.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field.
• One year of experience working in a biology research laboratory.

Professional Competencies

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with molecular biology, including DNA and RNA isolation, genome library preparation, gene expression.
• Experience working with plants in a greenhouse setting.
• Training in botany, plant ecology, evolution, or genetics.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website .

The University of Oregon is an equal‑opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

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