LewisAndClark

Biology Research Lab Assistant - Grant

Undergraduate Campus Full time

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Working at Lewis & Clark College

The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.

Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

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 I within the Department of Biology reports directly to the Principal Investigator. This role is primarily responsible for designing and executing research experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting all laboratory activities. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills in molecular and cell biology techniques and a keen attention to detail. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at managing experimental workflows, mentoring student researchers, and maintaining an inclusive and safe laboratory environment.

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

Research Experimentation and Data Collection

  • Design and conduct experimental protocols using molecular, genetic, biochemical, and cell biology techniques

  • Collect, process, and analyze experimental data ensuring reproducibility and accuracy

  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including microscopes, centrifuges, and incubators

  • Validate results and recommend protocol optimizations to improve research outcomes

Technical Instruction and Support

  • Instruct and support student researchers in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and equipment operation

  • Demonstrate proper use of specialized instruments and troubleshoot technical issues

  • Prepare concise lesson materials, protocols, and reagent solutions to support student learning in the PI’s laboratory courses

  • Collaborate with team members to ensure consistent application of lab safety standards

Laboratory Organization and Inventory Management

  • Manage and organize laboratory materials, reagents, and supplies inventory

  • Procure, receive, and log lab stocks in appropriate logs and databases

  • Ensure compliance with safety, storage, and disposal regulations for chemicals and biological samples

  • Conduct regular audits of equipment and supplies to maintain operational readiness

  • Communicate regularly with the department lab coordinator and faculty to monitor and coordinate shared equipment and space usage

Documentation and Reporting

  • Document experimental procedures, protocols, and results in lab notebooks and digital databases

  • Generate statistical analyses and visualizations using data analysis and figure preparation software

  • Prepare detailed reports and summaries of research findings for review

Other Duties as Assigned

  • Participate in lab meetings and contribute to research planning sessions

  • Assist with lab maintenance tasks, including sterilization and workspace organization

  • Support grant proposal and lab budget tracking efforts as needed

  • Perform additional tasks to support overall lab function

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

  • Proficient with molecular and cell biology techniques (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, microscopy)

  • Excellent at managing multiple research projects under deadlines

  • Superior organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail

  • Extremely analytical with strong data interpretation and independent problem-solving capabilities

  • Committed to promoting inclusion, accessibility, and safety in the laboratory

  • Proficient working with databases, spreadsheets, and data visualization and statistical analysis software

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field

  • One year of experience in laboratory research utilizing molecular, genetic, cellular, or biochemical techniques

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

  • Experience with C. elegans

JOB CLASSIFICATION

  • Job Group Title: Research Support

  • Working Title: Research Technician I

  • Salary Grade: 14

  • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

  • Department: Department of Biology

  • Reports To: Principal Investigator

  • Full-Time: Yes (37.5 hours per week)

  • Schedule: Monday–Friday, typical lab hours, on call as needed 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • General laboratory environment with exposure to biological and chemical agents

  • Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking in the lab

  • Frequent grasping, gripping, pinching, squeezing, reaching, and repetitive hand movements (e.g., pipetting)

  • Occasional lifting and carrying of laboratory supplies and equipment up to 25 pounds

  • Frequent talking and listening for instruction and collaboration

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.