Research Assistant

Title : Research AssistantDepartment : SciencesDuration : 12 months Job SummaryReporting to the Biology Department Manager, this is a temporary one year full time Research Assistant position in the Marine Ecology Research Lab at Occidental College.

Directly supported by an NSF grant aimed at determining the impacts of abiotic and biotic stressors on sponge bioerosion, research tasks include the evaluation of sponge bioerosion rates, experimental manipulation of oysters and sponges, data analysis (statistical analysis), and the composition of scientific reports.

This position is represented for purposes of collective bargaining by SEIU. Job Duties 25% - Conduct lab-based research, including collecting data and performing work tasks (e.

g., weighing samples, checking water quality). - (Essential)15% - Oversee the maintenance and functioning of the seawater system, including any organisms held within tanks as part of an experiment.

• Essential)10% - Input data into databases and perform initial QA / QC; perform basic statistical analyses in R. - (Essential)15% - Process samples and collect data at key timepoints during the experiment.
• Marginal)10% - Order supplies for the lab. - (Marginal)10% - Clean and organize the lab space, ensure safety compliance.
• Marginal)15% - Create technical reports for NSF, compose portions of scientific manuscripts reporting results, occasional conference participation.
• Marginal) Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine sciences, ecology, research or other relevant scientific field.

One year of experience in position duties and responsibilities. Valid California driver’s license and the ability to become an authorized driver of campus-owned vehicles.

Must be able to use Microsoft Excel and R for data entry and analysis. Demonstrated skills with data management and organization.

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to care for invertebrates in a seawater system. Demonstrated skill in troubleshooting and maintaining a recirculating seawater system.

Preferred knowledge and ability to start and maintain cultures of phytoplankton. Ability to analyze, synthesize and organize data, and present findings in a comprehensible manner for different audiences.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google drives / folders / forms, Adobe Acrobat, Web Editing, and social media applications or any combination of productivity programs applicable to position responsibilities.

Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented and thorough; skilled at anticipating and preventing potential problems and handling a wide variety of tasks with efficiency and accuracy.

Strong commitment to a quality work product. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally, in writing and electronically.

Effective interpersonal skills as evidenced in the ability to collaborate with a variety of constituencies. Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, inclusion & diversity.

Demonstrated skill in adapting to and performing work effectively in high-volume, high accountability, confidential environment with multiple and changing priorities.

Effective organizational, logistical, time management and planning skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks / projects simultaneously, prioritize and fulfill the functions of an office in a timely manner.

Ability to self-motivate and work independently. Ability to provide effective leadership and training, and to work effectively and professionally across functions, disciplines, levels, and with diverse groups.

Preferred Qualifications Master of Science in in Biology, Ecology, Marine Science or other related / relevant field.Current AAUS dive certification with a minimum of 20 logged scientific dives and 60’ depth certification.

Experience maintaining and troubleshooting a recirculating seawater system.Experience with experimental design and conducting research in marine ecology.

Experience entering and analyzing data in R, maintaining Github, and writing brief reports on methods and results. EXPECTED HIRING RANGE : $22.

00 / hr - $25.00 / hrIf you are offered this position at Occidental College, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, experience, and / or geographic location.

In addition to those factors, Occidental complies with applicable pay equity laws and considers internal equity among current employees when developing the final offer.

Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

We also offer a generous compensation and benefits package.