Job Description

Position Title: Postbaccalaureate Research Technician.
Department: Biology.
Classification: Non-Exempt.
FTE: 0.16.
Work Location: On Campus.
Hourly Rate: $22.50

The Riggs Lab at St. Olaf College seeks a full-time Post-Baccalaureate Research Technician who is interested in strengthening their research skills and contributing to original research. The Riggs Lab studies the cells and embryos of the annual killifish Austrofundulus limnaeus which are remarkably resilient to environmental extremes. Current projects focus on the contribution of mitochondrial small RNAs, translation regulation, and stress granules to the anoxia tolerance of killifish cells. The technician will contribute to one or more of these projects. The technician will be trained in the relevant cellular and molecular techniques including but not limited to: maintaining fish and mammalian cell cultures, immunoblotting (Northern and Western), immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, molecular cloning, genetic manipulation of cells, cell stress treatments, and cell survival assays. The candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with Prof. Riggs on data analysis, figure preparation, and presentation for results at conferences and/or for publication. The technician will also help train and mentor undergraduate researchers and maintain smooth operation of the lab. Additionally, the technician will contribute to the set-up of facilities for and the maintenance and husbandry of annual killifish adults and embryos.

This is an ideal opportunity for candidates seeking additional experience in biology research in preparation for graduate studies. You will further develop your technical skillset and your abilities to think and act like a scientist with mentorship from a Biology faculty committed to your scientific training and professional development.

This is a one-year, grant-funded, benefit eligible position with the possibility of renewal for a second year.

Essential Job Duties:

• Maintain fish and mammalian cell cultures.
• Conduct cellular and molecular research.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments.
• Maintain common laboratory solutions and stocks.
• Help train and manage undergraduate researchers.
• Collaborate with PI on experimental design, data analysis and manuscript writing.
  

Supervision Received and Exercised:

• Reports to the Assistant Professor of Biology.
• This position does not supervise anyone.
  

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field.
    
• Experience:
  • Previous experience in cell, molecular, or genetic research.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
  • Interest in and willingness to learn.
  • Ability to manage and keep track of multiple projects.
  • Strong communication skills.
    

Prerequisites:

• Employment in this position is conditioned upon successful completion of a background check which may include: criminal background checks, reference checks, verification of work history, verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, a motor vehicle check, verification of DOT certification, a credit check, employment eligibility verification, and/or a pre-employment physical. Whether a background check is deemed successfully completed will be at the sole discretion of St. Olaf College.Please note, St. Olaf College reserves the right to conduct periodic background checks at its sole discretion.
  

Disclaimer:

• This position may require you to report early, stay late or work different shifts depending on staffing levels. It may also require you to perform all essential job functions whenever needed and during campus emergencies when necessary.
• This job description is for general information purposes.It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position.This job description is subject to change at any time by St. Olaf College, with or without prior notice.
• Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the hire is complete. We accept only online applications.

Join Our Community - Work at St. Olaf!

Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a residential, coeducational liberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students and 800 faculty and staff. The college is located on a picturesque 300-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, a vibrant, historic river town of 20,000 located 45 minutes south of culturally rich and diverse Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The college offers an academically rigorous, nationally ranked liberal arts education that fosters the development of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit and emphasizes learning in an inclusive and globally engaged community. We encourage applications from candidates committed to multicultural understanding and the enrichment of our diverse community.

The college offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 9% retirement match, contributions to eligible employees' health savings accounts, a significant tuition discount (up to a 90% reduction) at ACM, GLCA, and ELCA colleges and universities for employees' children, and generous paid time off. For a full review of the college's benefits, please see the summary of our benefits here:https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/benefits/

To provide a safe and secure educational environment, St. Olaf College verifies the accuracy of all credentials presented by applicants and conducts a criminal background check on every new hire.

A summary of the Flexible Work Policy for staff: https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/flexible-work-policy/

A link to our Community and Belonging page: https://wp.stolaf.edu/equity-inclusion/

A virtual campus tour: https://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia/play/?p=483

An overview of Northfield: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/northfield/

An overview of the Twin Cities: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/twincities/

For Staff Application Assistance

hrstaff@stolaf.edu

507-786-3068

For Faculty Application Assistance
facultysearch@stolaf.edu
507-786-3356

Nondiscrimination Policy

St. Olaf College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance. St. Olaf College prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon these and any other legally protected status in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admissions and employment.

Inquiries about this nondiscrimination policy may be referred to St. Olaf College's Director of Equal Opportunity, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. St. Olaf's Director of Equal Opportunity (who serves as the College's Title IX, Title VI, and Section 504 Coordinator) is Pamela McDowell, Tomson Hall, mcdowell@stolaf.edu, (507) 786-3465.