Research Technician

POSITION SUMMARY
As part of a grant-funded research project on Integrated Pest Management to assess the effectiveness of field bioreactor systems seeded with pesticide bioremediating bacteria to remove pesticides from agricultural waste waters, we are seeking a research technician will be assist in the execution and management of this project. The successful candidate will be part of a collaborative team with undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty at CSU Monterey Bay.

The research technician will be based in the Genetic, Genomics, and Bioinformatics lab for Dr. Nate Jue (https://csumb.edu/juelab/). The position is full time and benefits eligible. There will be approximately 2 years of funding, depending on an annual review. In addition to the core project, the candidate will also have the opportunity and responsibility to support other projects in the lab related to pesticide bioremediation and side projects in functional, evolutionary, and ecological genomics. It is anticipated that this position would best suite an individual with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and are considering a career and/or graduate degree in the biological sciences. There will be opportunities for publishing, professional development and networking.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include. but are not limited to. the following:
The research technician will oversee general lab operations, along with the PI, for the Jue Lab, assist and help lead field experiments and bioreactor construction efforts, maintain bioreactor sites and field equipment, culture bacterial strains, manage and process samples, apply molecular biological methods to generate genetic data, and analyze and manage data. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for managing, mentoring and working with student researchers. The candidate is expected to work in agricultural field settings despite acclimate weather if necessary.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Performs other duties as assigned.
Attend workshops or conference as asked
Mentor and manage student researchers

PHYSICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and field setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to verbally communicate to exchange information.

WORK LOCATION
On-Site Position
Work Location: Chapman Science Academic Center, CSUMB, Seaside, CA 93955; Salinas Valley agricultural region.

Due to COVID 19, this position may be approved to work remotely on a temporary basis, or may be required to physically work on campus. Work assignment locations are at the sole discretion of CSUMB and may be changed or revoked at any time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Background in biology. Molecular biology and microbiology lab skills. Experience with field research. Professional research skills. Lab management. Skilled with tools and experience with minor construction. Familiarity with coding and R-based data analysis. Comfortable with tools and minor construction responsibilities. Due to field work component, the candidate must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the biological sciences or related field.
Lab experience in microbiology or bacteriology.
Experience with molecular genetic/genomic methods.
Experience with conducting research and working in collaborative environment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in both lab and field research.
Competent with power tools and basic woodworking skills.
Computational and/or data management skills (i.e. programming, database management, and/or statistical analysis).
Experience managing a lab or working in a well-managed lab.
Capable science writer
A willingness to mentor students
Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the CSUMB Vision Statement and the core values of mutual respect, collaboration and service orientation, multiculturalism and diversity, community service and institutional excellence.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The hourly rate for this position is $24. Classification: Grade 4, Staff. This is a non-exempt position and as such is eligible for the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The Corporation offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, contributory retirement plan, TSA (403b), and other benefits.