Research Technician

The Claremont Colleges Services; Claremont (CA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Technician to join their innovative team. This exciting role involves conducting cutting-edge research to explore the chromatin basis of genome elimination in the jewel wasp. You will collaborate closely with experienced researchers, contribute to scientific manuscripts, and mentor undergraduate students. As part of a dynamic research environment, you will gain hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques and laboratory management. If you are passionate about biological sciences and eager to make a significant impact in research, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or equivalent experience.
• Experience in genetic research and molecular lab techniques preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to fulfill NSF proposal aims.
• Participate in writing manuscripts and training students.
• Maintain laboratory organization and insect rearing.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Basic laboratory techniques

Molecular lab techniques (PCR, RT-qPCR)

Microsoft Office proficiency

Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

The Research Technician, funded through a National Science Foundation grant, will involve conducting research in collaboration with Dr. Patrick Ferree. The aims of the grant are to use a combination of cytological, genetic, and molecular methods to investigate the chromatin basis of genome elimination caused by a B chromosome in the jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This information is intended to be a descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position. Perform other duties as assigned.

Under the general supervision of Dr. Ferree, the research tech will perform the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• Help fulfill experimental aims of the NSF proposal (75%)
• Participate in writing manuscripts (5%)
• Help to train new undergraduate research students (5%)
• Perform basic laboratory organization and insect rearing (5%)
• Participate in lab organization (5%)
• Perform other essential duties and tasks specific to the position.
• Active support for the College’s Principles of Community and Principles of Diversity in the performance of job duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Be able to work with general supervision and moderate independence to perform the essential experimental functions.
• Demonstrate effective, clear communication with proficient verbal, written, reading, and interpersonal skills.
• Be proficient in basic Microsoft Office software (such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) as well as Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator.
• Handle all activities with patience, discretion, good judgment, courtesy, tact, and strong self-motivation while working independently on personal duties/goals and with individuals (particularly undergraduates) from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels to accomplish designated goals in a timely manner.
• Use exceptional organizational and time management skills to complete work with accuracy and a keen attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn new techniques as needed to complete the assigned research goals.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on the biological sciences or any combination of education, training, or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the job.

The successful candidate should have prior involvement in genetic research, and experience in standard molecular lab techniques including PCR and RT-qPCR. One year of previous lab experience (including during undergraduate) is preferred.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES:

None.

HOURS & CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS:

This is a temporary status (grant-funded), full-time, non-exempt, benefits-eligible position.

The regular hours for this full-time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Regular hours may vary due to needs of the project. This position is expected to end on or before June 30, 2026. The position may be extended upon mutual agreement of both parties. This assignment is contingent upon available grant funding.

Holiday, weekend, and evening work hours may be required periodically for certain routine duties including insect husbandry/maintenance and to accomplish research goals in a timely manner, as determined by the PI.

Hourly rate range: $17.00-$18.00. The hourly rate of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Some co-mentoring of undergraduate students will be a part of the position.

The research duties will be performed in the Ferree laboratory, which houses standard equipment for insect husbandry and molecular biology. Some of the work may be conducted in the laboratories of collaborators located in the Southern California area.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is quiet.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans.

Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example to lift or move office supplies, files, books and packages.

At-Will Employment:

Regular employment at the College is for no specified period; conditions and status of employment (hours, pay, title, duties, etc.) are subject to change at any time. Scripps College is an At-Will employer. Employees, and likewise the College, are free to end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice or cause, unless otherwise prohibited by law.