RESEARCH ASSISTANT II

LRES Corporation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative university as a Research Assistant II, where you will engage in exciting ecological research focused on sequencing mitochondrial genomes and eDNA sampling. This role offers the chance to work closely with experienced professionals in a collaborative lab environment, contributing to vital projects that survey fish diversity in Illinois's waterways. With a strong emphasis on ecological and molecular genetics, this position is perfect for individuals passionate about advancing scientific knowledge while enjoying the benefits of working at a leading institution dedicated to diversity and inclusion. If you are ready to make an impact in the field of biology, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Tuition Benefit

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Work-Life Balance Programs

Qualifications

• Master's in Molecular Ecology or related field is required.
• 1+ years of experience in sequencing or eDNA research.

Responsibilities

• Participate in study design and project planning with Dr. Stuart.
• Conduct mitogenome preparation and eDNA sampling.

Skills

Mitogenome Sequencing

eDNA Sequencing

Bioinformatics

Project Planning

Field Research

Education

Master's Degree in Molecular Ecology

Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Ecology

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Bioinformatics Software

Job description

Employment Opportunities Designed to Help Us Collaborate in Creation!

Research Assistant II

Position Details

Job Title: RESEARCH ASSISTANT II

Position Number: 8102448

Job Category: University Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Campus: Rogers Park-Lake Shore Campus

Department Name: BIOLOGY

Location Code: BIOLOGY (02112A)

Is this split and/or fully grant funded? Yes

Duties and Responsibilities

Loyola University Chicago (LUC), College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology invites applications for a full-time laboratory technician with experience in ecological and/or molecular genetics, in particular mitogenome sequencing and eDNA sequencing. The position is in the lab of Dr. Yoel Stuart. We have a funded project to sequence mitochondrial genomes of Illinois aquatic species, primarily fish. We will also use eDNA to survey fish diversity in Illinois’s Fox River.

The technician will participate in:

1. Study design and project planning in collaboration with Dr. Stuart and colleagues;
2. Procuring tissue samples from museums and colleagues;
3. Mitogenome preparation and assembly;
4. eDNA sampling;
5. eDNA library preparation and sequencing at the Field Museum of Natural History;
6. Potentially bioinformatic analysis;
7. Potentially supervision of undergraduates during eDNA work.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and/or Work Experience

Education Required: Masters Degree in Molecular Ecology, Ecological Genetics, Evolutionary Ecology, or a related field. Or a Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Ecology, Ecological Genetics, Evolutionary Ecology, or a related field.

Experience Required: At least 1 year of experience during school or after school with sequencing, generating genomes, and/or conducting eDNA research. The applicant should have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive a field vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications: Applicants with at least an MS degree in molecular ecology, ecological genetics, evolutionary ecology, or a related field are preferred. Or, applicants with a BS degree with equivalent experience with sequencing, generating genomes, and/or conducting eDNA research.

Certificates/Credentials/Licenses

N/A

Computer Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Some experience with command line coding and bioinformatics software and approaches.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Required operation of university owned vehicles

Yes

Does this position require direct animal or patient contact?

Yes

Physical Demands

Lifting, Carrying, Standing, Climbing, Crawling/Kneeling, Repetitive Motions

Working Conditions

Irregular Hours, Exposure to Inclement Weather

Open Date

02/10/2025

Close Date

Position Salary

Maximum Salary or Hourly Rate: $23.08/hr

Minimum Salary or Hourly Rate: $23.08/hr

Special Instructions to Applicants

About Loyola University Chicago: Loyola University Chicago is a private Jesuit University founded in 1870 by the Society of Jesus. One of the largest Catholic Universities in the United States, Loyola’s professional schools include programs in medicine, nursing, and health sciences anchored by the Loyola University Medical Center, and the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Comprised of thirteen colleges and schools, Loyola University Chicago offers more than 80 undergraduate and 140 graduate/professional programs while enrolling approximately 17,000 students.

In addition to offering a world-class educational experience, Loyola University Chicago strives to be an employer of choice by offering its staff and faculty a wide array of affordable, comprehensive, and competitive benefits. Our benefits are centered on health and wellness, financial security, equity, and work-life balance. We offer medical, dental, vision, 403(b), HSA, FSAs, tuition benefit, pre-tax transit benefits, EAP, and more. To view our benefits in detail, click here.

As one of the nation’s largest Jesuit, Catholic Universities, Loyola University Chicago fosters a transformative cultural experience that honors Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse, mission-driven workforce that enables a culture of inclusivity.

Loyola University Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by law.