Summer Research Assistant

Title: Summer Research Assistant

Employee Classification: Non-Student Help - Hourly

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science

Department: UNT-Biological Sciences-121100

Job Location: Denton

Salary: $15.00 per hour

FTE: .48

Retirement Eligibility: Not Retirement Eligible

About Us - Values Overview:

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.   We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.   Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

Modern biology encompasses the study of all aspects of living systems from the molecular basis of genetic inheritance to the interactions between organisms and the environment. The mission of the Department of Biological Sciences is to provide quality education leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in biology, environmental biology, biochemistry and medical laboratory sciences. A vital component of that mission is scholarly activity, and faculty in the department conduct relevant basic and applied research and provide professional expertise and service to local, state and national constituencies.

Central to our mission is quality teaching, and faculty engage in instructional development to enhance their abilities to train professionals who will have the most up-to-date skills and professional ethics for meeting the demands of a technological society. Our success is measured by the success of our students and the quality of our intellectual contributions to the improvement of society.

Position Overview

We are currently seeking an Hourly Summer Research Assistant to pursue molecular biology on plant-based products for manufacturing. The project(s) will involve manipulating cotton genes with virus-based technologies to explore wood and phloem fiber characteristics in cotton and other industrial crops (kenaf and jute). The position will include training and experience in a molecular biology laboratory and will also involve field work at the Discovery Park field site (which will be hot and exposed).

The position will also include laboratory “chores” such as washing glassware and autoclaving, and assisting other researchers with various experiments. Academic requirements include being a biology major with course work in genetics, biochemistry, physiology, and allied subjects; a legitimate interest in plant biology is highly desired.”

Minimum Qualifications

The candidate must be pursuing or have a BSc degree in biology or related field; must be able to work periodically in a small field site at Discovery Park (must have their own transportation and be willing to periodically work outside).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology.
• Skills in communication and following and learning verbal and written instructions.
• Abilities in maintaining laboratory records, measuring and mixing liquids and solids, and maintaining biological materials.

Preferred Qualifications

BS in Biology with knowledge in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology; some prior laboratory experience is desired; a l