Research Technician CAS - Biology

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Lewis & Clark College Support Staff Association

This position is represented by the Lewis & Clark College Support Staff Association Local 4912 of the American Federation of Teachers.

The current LCCSSA Bargaining Agreement can be found here: https://www.lclark.edu/unions/lccssa/

LCCSSA members who apply and meet the minimum qualifications for the vacancy will be interviewed in the same manner as other first-round applicants.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Research Technician within the CAS - Biology department reports directly to Sharon Torigoe, Associate Professor of Biology. This role is primarily responsible for performing experiments and analyzing data in the Torigoe Lab to investigate how enhancer sequences impact transcription factor function in pluripotent stem cells. This position also supports management of the Torigoe Lab, training of undergraduate students in the lab, and fostering a collaborative work environment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in biology, biochemistry, or a similar field, along with excellent communication and organizational skills and an attention to detail. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at independent problem-solving, data analysis, organization and communication.

This position is represented by the Lewis & Clark College Support Staff Association Local 4912 of the American Federation of LCCSSA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Conduct experiments and analyze data* Learn and master lab procedures in the areas of molecular biology and biochemistry.

• Design experiments to address research projects on enhancers in the lab.
  
• Collect and analyze from experiments.
  
• Develop and optimize protocols for new lab procedures.
  
• Regularly update and maintain notebook and data records.
  

Student Training and Mentorship* Train undergraduate students in standard lab procedures, including PCR, molecular cloning, and cell culture.

• Provide troubleshooting support to students and guide them in data analysis to improve their lab skills.
  
• Encourage a collaborative learning environment for students to develop independent research abilities.
  

Data Reporting and Documentation* Prepare and present regular reports to supervisor about progress on projects.

• As appropriate, present work at conferences and/or write manuscripts for publication.
  

Lab Management and Organization* Unpack, organize, and monitor stocks of lab supplies.

• Notify supervisor about materials to be ordered.
  
• Pick up temperature-sensitive packages from the mailroom,
  
• Monitor and maintain shared instrumentation to ensure proper functionality.
  
• Enforce biosafety protocols and ethical standards within the lab environment.
  

Collaboration* Collaborate with other lab members to share knowledge and contribute to team-based research goals.

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS* Proficient in molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, including PCR, molecular cloning, and cell culture.

• Extensive knowledge of experimental design, data collection, and analysis methods in a laboratory setting.
  
• Strong understanding of biosafety regulations and ethical standards in a research environment.
  
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with experience writing research reports, manuscripts, and presenting findings.
  
• Extremely detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy in experimental records, data analysis, and reporting.
  
• Proficient in using scientific software tools for data analysis (e.g., GraphPad Prism, Excel) and laboratory equipment.
  
• Demonstrate independence in designing, executing, and troubleshooting experiments while exercising sound judgment in decision-making.
  
• Collaborate effectively with diverse teams, including lab staff, students, and faculty members, to achieve research goals.
  
• Commitment to promoting inclusion, creating an environment where all individuals are valued and respected, and ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all.
  
• Actively contribute to the team�s success by maintaining a positive and cooperative attitude and assisting colleagues in achieving collective research objectives.
  
• Exhibit initiative and ownership of projects, consistently seeking out solutions and taking proactive steps to improve lab operations and research outcomes.
  

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE* Bachelor’s degree (B.S., B.A.) in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience in experimental design, data collection, and analysis within a laboratory context. Strong organizational skills and a track record of maintaining detailed records and reports.
  

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE* Minimum of 1 year of experience in a research lab setting.

• Preferred Tech
  

+ Experience with data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Excel).

+ Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint)

JOB CLASSIFICATION* Job Group Title: Research Technician II

• Working Title: Research Technician
  
• Salary Grade: Grade 14
  
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
  
• Department: CAS - Biology
  
• Reports To: Sharon Torigoe, Associate Professor of Biology
  
• Full-Time: Yes
  
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for lab-related tasks outside standard hours as necessary
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS* General laboratory and office environment.

• Prolonged periods of standing while performing experiments and working with lab equipment.
  
• Ability to perform tasks such as lifting, moving, and organizing laboratory supplies and equipment, occasionally up to 20 pounds.
  
• Must be able to communicate effectively via phone, email, online meetings, and in person to collaborate with colleagues and report research findings.
  
• Frequent use of laboratory instruments requiring manual dexterity, including pipetting, adjusting equipment, and preparing samples.
  

Directions for Cover Letter

Please include a cover letter describing your interest in joining Lewis & Clark and the ways you can contribute to a culture of inclusion on our campus.

Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies. Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators

(https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance).

Reasonable Accommodation

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Background Check

Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.

Eligibility to Work

In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.