Adjunct Research Assistant

Position Details Proposed Start Date 04 / 01 / 2024 Working Title Adjunct Research Assistant Department 220300 - BIO Biology Position Number D93166 Representation AP - AFT, Local 3571 Position Summary Brief Description of PSU / School / Dept Portland State University’s Biology Department includes over 21 faculty, 1,200 undergraduate majors, and over 65 graduate students and post-docs.

We take an integrative approach to biology, encompassing all levels of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems.

Our program prepares students for careers in biological research, teaching, health sciences, biotechnology, conservation biology and wildlife management, forestry, and other applied fields :

Position Summary The purpose of this part-time position is to assist the Principal Investigator (PI) with research and laboratory management in microbial ecology including lab work, microbial culture, and data analysis towards publication.

The position would manage daily laboratory tasks including ordering, organization, training of students. In addition, experience with molecular analysis (PCR, qPCR, sequence library preparation) and cellular analysis (microscopy, flow cytometry) of environmental microbiological communities and laboratory cultures and molecular biology techniques is strongly preferred.

Strong communication and organizational skills are compulsory.

Travel and logistical work for field research may be involved but is not required. This travel could include research expeditions on oceanographic vessels or to collaborators labs.

The position will be responsible for working closely with students and postdocs in the lab, and the lab PI, in addition to assisting the PI in the managing of samples and supplies in the laboratory and publishing findings.

Duties will include :

Molecular Analysis : Analyzing environmental samples that include microorganisms collected onboard research cruises and from local field sites and in the laboratory will be required.

Tasks will involve following standard protocols for quantifying microbial populations from natural samples, extracting DNA from field samples, and preparing samples for metagenomic analysis.

Lab Management and Lab Training : Analyzing environmental samples that include microorganisms collected onboard research cruises and from local field sites and in the laboratory will be required.

Tasks will involve following standard protocols for quantifying microbial populations from natural samples, extracting DNA from field samples, and preparing samples for metagenomic analysis.

Molecular data analysis of microbial samples from the environment will be required. Interpret results from tested samples in the context of oceanographic data and experimental procedures

Report and Publications : Assist PI with drafting papers and reports to be submitted to funding agency and for publications.

Also, report to PI on progress, including preparation of graphical plots to show analyzed data

Minimum Qualifications

• or in Biology or a related field
• Strong communication and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to travel for logistical work and field research (preferred but not required).
• At least 5 years work experience after graduation.
• Experience with molecular analysis (PCR, qPCR, sequence library preparation) and cellular analysis (microscopy, flow cytometry) of environmental microbiological communities and laboratory cultures and molecular biology techniques.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement
• Adheres to all PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.