Research Assistant (Biology)

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the Research Assistant position. The Research Assistant is a full-time, one-year term position, starting at $20.56/hour - commensurate with experience. Given Amherst’s distinction as one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting a broadly diverse community.

The Research Assistant investigates molecular mechanisms underlying cell migration in the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum in the Edwards Lab at Amherst College. The research project(s) will involve molecular genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology techniques and microscopy. The research assistant is expected to contribute to all aspects of the lab’s research activities, including training and mentoring a diverse group of undergraduate students in the Edwards Lab and contributing to an inclusive environment for students. The Research Assistant will also assist with lab management 
on a regular basis. 

Summary of Responsibilities:

Research

• Perform experimental design, data collection, and data analysis on research projects under the supervision of PI Edwards

• The research assistant will have the opportunity to contribute research for publication and presentation at research conferences.

Training Undergraduate Students with Basic Laboratory Techniques 

• Working with PI Edwards and undergraduate students in the Jeong Lab

• Training a diverse set of undergraduate students with basic laboratory techniques

• Working to ensure a respectful, inclusive environment

Lab Management 

• Preparation and inventory management of cell culture reagents

• Maintenance, storage, and inventory of lab chemical reagents 

• Maintenance, storage, and inventory of lab consumables

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology

• 1 to 3 years of related experience

• Demonstrated  interest  in carrying out independent research

• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational  skills 

• Ability to work collaboratively, and the desire to train and support undergraduate students new to research

• Experience and familiarity with nanoparticle synthesis

• Experience and familiarity with electron paramagnetic resonance experiments

• Experience with one or more of the following: protein biochemistry, advanced light microscopy, and molecular biology

• Commitment to working with a diverse and inclusive community

• Required reference and background checks

Preferred

• Experience with one or more of the following: protein biochemistry, advanced light microscopy and molecular biology

Amherst College offers many opportunities for professional growth and development, continued learning, and career advancement.

Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Benefits are an important part of our overall compensation, so it is critical that you review all of the options to ensure it meets your total compensation requirements. Click here for Benefits Information.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume, cover letter, and the names of three professional references online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

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