Postbaccalaureate Research Associate - Biology

Position Title: Post-baccalaureate Research Associate

Department: Biology

Reports To: Associate Professor of Biology (Norman Lee)

Classification: Exempt

FTE: 1.0

Salary: $43,680

The Lee Lab of Neural Systems and Behavior at St. Olaf College seeks a full-time Post-Baccalaureate Research Technician. We use cutting-edge research tools, such as quantitative behavioral tracking, laser vibrometry, and electrophysiology, to investigate auditory perception in the acoustic parasitoid fly Ormia ochracea, which relies on their sense of hearing to locate field cricket hosts by eavesdropping on cricket calling songs.

This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with a PI distinctly committed to your technical and conceptual training and career development. It is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking additional training in behavioral neuroscience before applying for graduate school programs.

Review of applications will begin on April 1, 2024, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Essential Job Duties:

1.Collect and maintain laboratory colonies of Ormia ochracea

• Perform laboratory tasks related to propagating flies

• Oversee animal care responsibilities

• Maintain population records

• Collect specimens from field sites

2.Conduct research studies

• Develop experiments in consultation with the principal investigator.

• Perform laboratory and field-based experiments

• Record, tabulate, and calculate data through the operation of various electronic devices.

3.Assist with the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents

• Assist in the statistical analyses of research data

• Assist in the preparation of collecting permits, reports, protocols, and manuscripts for publication in academic peer-reviewed journals

4.Supervisory Responsibilities

• Train student researchers

• Supervise and coordinate the work of student researchers

5.General Responsibilities

• Attend lab meetings

• Maintain and order equipment and supplies

• Support, respect, and commit to embracing diverse backgrounds, values, and points of view to build a strong and inclusive community

• Complete and meet deadlines for required training and performance management cycle

6.Perform other duties as assigned

Work Schedule:

Term: Year-round

Shift: Typically Monday

• Friday, 8 am

• 5 pm, with occasional evening and weekend hours. Possible travel up to 10% of the work schedule, which includes local (Twin Cities metro area), national travel to field collecting sites in Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, and Hawaii, and international travel depending on academic conference locations. Overnight trips average 3-5 trips per year

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in science, majoring in Biology, Neuroscience, or related fields

Maintain a valid driver's license and meet St. Olaf College driver authorization criteria with a satisfactory driving record

Ability to commit to this position for a two-years

Experience: Some experience conducting research work in a research lab setting, or other relevant experiences

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Biology and/or Neuroscience

Experience: Knowledge of basic laboratory methodology,

Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet and word-processing software

Ability to work with and handle different types of insects

Ability to deal with pressure situations

Ability to gather and compile data

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision

Prerequisites:

Employment in this position is conditioned upon successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal background checks, reference checks, verification of work history, verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, a motor vehicle check, verification of a DOT certification, a credit check, employment eligibility verification, and/or a pre-employment physical. Whether a background check is deemed successfully completed will be at the sole discretion of St. Olaf College. Please note that St. Olaf College reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to conduct periodic background checks.

Disclaimer:

This job description is for general information purposes. It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position. This job description is subject to change at any time, with or without prior notice, by St. Olaf College.