Temporary Part Time Research Assistant

PeopleAdmin, Inc.; Orange (CA); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Chapman University is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to support ongoing projects on campus. You will work closely with a faculty mentor and student researchers, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory experiments, data collection, and literature review.

The role emphasizes precise record-keeping, collaboration with a research team, and opportunities to develop technical laboratory skills and scientific communication within a vibrant university environment.

Qualifications

• Interest in scientific research and eagerness to learn new techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate record-keeping.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team.
• Willingness to acquire new laboratory skills and methods.
• Good organizational and communication abilities in a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments under faculty guidance following established protocols and safety rules.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to support research findings.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks documenting procedures, observations, and results.
• Participate in research group meetings, share progress, and discuss project direction.
• Perform literature reviews and summarize relevant articles for background context.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and order supplies within budget and procedures.
• Present results at conferences or internal seminars.

Skills

Interest in research

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Organizational & communication skills

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Position Information

Position Title

Position Title Temporary Part Time Research Assistant

Position Type

Position Type Temporary

Job Number

Job Number SA94324

Full or Part Time

Full or Part Time part-time 0-19 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification

Non-Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range 20.00

Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

The employee will work closely with the faculty mentor and other student researchers to support ongoing research projects. This position provides hands‑on experience in scientific research, including laboratory experimentation, operation and maintenance of research instrumentation, data collection and analysis, literature review, and scientific record keeping.

This position offers an opportunity to develop technical laboratory skills, critical thinking, problem‑solving abilities, scientific communication, and professional research practices while contributing to innovative research projects within a collaborative academic environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments under the direction of the faculty mentor; following established protocols and safety procedures, and adapting techniques as guided.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Maintain accurate and organized laboratory notebooks documenting procedures, observations, and results.
• Participate in research group meetings and discussions by sharing progress updates, asking questions, and contributing to conversations on project direction.
• Perform literature reviews and summarize scientific articles to provide background for ongoing projects and keep the research group informed of relevant developments.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and order supplies within established procedures and budget guidelines.
• Present results at conferences.

Required Qualifications

• Strong interest in scientific research and learning new laboratory techniques.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to acquire new skills
• Good organizational and communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

Special Instructions to Applicants

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Minimum Number of References

Minimum Number of References 2

Maximum Number of References

Maximum Number of References 3

MAIN CAMPUS
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
[phone]

RINKER HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS
9401 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, CA 92618

© 2019 CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening, and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.