Student Laboratory Assistant – Macroinvertebrate Sorting

Colorado Mesa; Grand Junction, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO seeks a motivated student for a hands-on biology lab position focused on macroinvertebrate sample processing and data entry.

You will separate specimens, identify orders to family level when possible, photograph groups, measure lengths, and maintain digital records. Training will be provided for identification if needed, and accommodations may be made.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled student.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks with high accuracy.
• Comfortable working with dissecting microscopes and handling fragile biological specimens for extended periods.
• Basic familiarity with aquatic invertebrate identification; training provided if needed.

Responsibilities

• Sample processing: Separate preserved aquatic macroinvertebrates from debris, sediment, and organic matter.
• Identification: Group organisms into broad taxonomic categories (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera).
• Individual measurements: Photograph groups and measure lengths using software; maintain file structure.
• Data management: Log sample data and maintain digital tracking databases.
• Lab maintenance: Clean and organize equipment, microscopes, and preservation fluids.

Skills

Attention to detail

Repetitive task precision

Comfort with dissecting microscopes

Tools

Dissecting microscope

Job description

**FLSA Status:**United States of America (Non-Exempt)**SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE**At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It's this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.From this place of humility and courage, we've built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.Inspired by the soul of the West - the spirit that our region embodies - we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.***Colorado Mesa University Core Values*****Love -**Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others**Dignity -**Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill**Courage -**Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities**Humility -**Suspending one's ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others**Resiliency -**Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity**Curiosity -**Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown**Power -**The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals**JOB DESCRIPTION**## Key Responsibilities- Sample Processing: Separate preserved aquatic macroinvertebrates from debris, sediment, and organic matter.- Identification: Group organisms into broad taxonomic categories (e.g., Orders such as Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera). Some groups will be identified to the Family-level.- Individual Measurements: Take photos of groups of individuals, measure their lengths using computer software, and maintain computer file structure.- Data Management: Log sample data accurately, maintain digital tracking databases, and perform quality assurance and quality control.- Lab Maintenance: Clean, organize, and maintain laboratory equipment, microscopes, and chemical preservation fluids (ethanol).## Secondary Responsibilities- Data Analysis (optional and time-dependent): Motivated students may have opportunities to work with the data including visualization, analysis, interpretation and write-up.- Presentation (optional and time-dependent): Motivated students may have opportunities to present the data at student showcase or other local venues.## Qualifications & Skills- Must be a currently enrolled student.- Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to perform repetitive tasks with high accuracy.- Comfortable working with dissecting microscopes and handling fragile biological specimens for extended periods.- Basic familiarity with aquatic invertebrate identification is preferred (training will be provided if needed).*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.***DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and areas of accountability.****HOW TO APPLY:**Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:* Cover letter (Optional)* Resume