Research Associate

Our Statement

The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.

This Research Assistant will support and conduct neuroscience research in the VanHoven Laboratory at SJSU.

General Nature of Position

This Research Assistant will support and conduct neuroscience research in the VanHoven Laboratory at SJSU. The Research Assistant is responsible for conducting neuroscience experiments using C. elegans, including genetic crosses, microscopy, behavioral assays, and molecular biology experiments.

The Research Assistant is also responsible for safety compliance, including maintaining an updated chemical inventory in the RSS system, assisting with training new students, and staying in compliance with biological use authorizations (BUAs) and chemical standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other safety requirements.

The Research Assistant is also responsible for ordering supplies and equipment as necessary, and assisting student researchers as needed.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Function 1

• Conducting neuroscience experiments using C. elegans, including genetic crosses, microscopy, behavioral assays, and molecular biology experiments.

Function 2

• Ensuring safety compliance, including maintaining an updated chemical inventory in the RSS system, assisting with training new students, and staying in compliance with biological use authorizations (BUAs) and chemical standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other safety requirements.

Function 3

• R esponsible for ordering supplies and equipment as necessary, and assisting student researchers as needed.

Function 4

• Responsible for promoting a respectful laboratory environment with equitable opportunities for all students.

Interpersonal Contacts

• Reports to Dr. Miri VanHoven.
• Frequently interacts with research students in the VanHoven Laboratory.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No direct supervisory responsibilities, but helps to train research students.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Biology or Chemistry and two years of experience doing research in a biology or chemistry laboratory.
• Demonstrated commitment to value diversity and contribute to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Preferred Quali fications

• MS in Cell and Molecular Biology or Biochemistry

Additional Requirements

• Must have at least two years of experience conducting neuroscience experiments using C. elegans, including genetic crosses, microscopy, behavioral assays, and molecular biology experiments.
• Must have at least one year of experience with safety compliance, including maintaining an updated chemical inventory in the RSS system, assisting with training new students, and staying in compliance with biological use authorizations (BUAs) and chemical standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other safety requirements.
• Must be able to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, NIH ImageJ Software.

Desired Accomplishments

• A preferred qualification would be a research publication in the area of biology or chemistry.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to perform microscopy, manipulate microorganisms, pipet, make solutions, and do molecular biology and other laboratory tasks at high capacity throughout the working day.

Additional information

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the SJSURF. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current SJSURF employees who apply for the position.

Note

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.

Compensation Range

$25-$30/hr

Benefits

The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).
• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.
• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.
• 14 paid federal & state holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.
• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.
• Employee discounts.
• Paid training and professional-development conferences.

Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information.

Application Procedure

To apply for this position, an applicant must submit a formal application for employment. Select "Apply" to complete the SJSURF online employment application via Workday.