Graduate Research Assistant

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Job Description:

PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Working with Professor Aaron Leconte, the Research Assistant will perform a variety of duties to advance an ongoing research program developing nucleic acid biotechnologies. We are seeking a recent graduate with some research experience who seeks to grow and develop as a researcher through this position.

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.

• Execute an independent laboratory research project with modest supervision.
• Assist with writing of manuscripts and grants
• Mentor and train undergraduate research assistants, facilitate lab culture
• Assist in lab management tasks such as inventory management, organizing group meetings, receiving and storing packages, etc.
• 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.

• Demonstrates basic technical proficiency in relevant laboratory techniques with a demonstrated capacity to learn new skills and independently execute them efficiently.
• Pays strong attention to detail (understands documentation of lab processes using a laboratory notebook, stores and manages materials and data appropriately, can execute protocols without making errors).
• A basic understanding and capacity for experimental design in relevant fields, especially understands the use of controls to validate results.
• Can read and analyze scientific literature in related fields.
• Capacity to write scientific manuscripts and grants with supervision/assistance.
• Demonstrated ability to write scientifically (both summarizing scientific literature and proposing new experiments).
• Works well in a collaborative environment and effectively interacts with all members of laboratory and college community.
• Able to write and disseminate clear protocols.
• Following departmental safety training, performs work according to established safety protocols.
• Ability to process large amounts of information and manage multiple deadlines efficiently and accurately.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology, or a related field, or any combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability.

Required: 1-3 years of lab experience with some project leadership experience is required.

Experience mentoring or tutoring undergraduate students is preferred.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES:

None.

OTHER:

HOURS & CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS:

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

The regular hours for this position are Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Hours may vary due to the needs of the College or department.

The start and end dates for this position may be flexible. The assignment is expected to begin on or around May 1, 2025 and end on or before August 30, 2026. This assignment may be extended upon mutual agreement by both parties.

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:

Mentor and train undergraduate research assistants and facilitate lab culture.

Work Environment

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 to moderate.

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.

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 pipetter or manually manipulating microcentrifuge tubes.Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters.Ability to hear within normal parameters.Ability to bend and stoop and move about, for example to move samples between pieces of scientific equipment.Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example to lift or move small scientific equipment, scientific samples, push a cart containing waste, etc.

At-Will Employment

Regular employment at the College is for no specified period of time; 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.