Research Technician

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Research Technician

Job Description:

PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

Working with Professor Jennifer Armstrong, the Research Technician will perform a variety of duties to maintain the laboratory stock collection of fruit flies and conduct experiments to further the Armstrong laboratory research program during the summer of 2026. We are looking to hire 2 part-time Research Technicians.

 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This information is intended to be a descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position.  The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position.  Perform other duties as assigned.

 

• Maintain the laboratory stock collection of fruit flies:

  • Prepare food for fruit flies

  • Clean food preparation equipment

  • Care for and feed fruit fly stocks

  • Inventory the laboratory stocks

  • Maintain fly stock online database

  • Add new fly stocks to the collection and online database

• Conduct experiments to further the research program of the Armstrong laboratory. Experiments may include (but are not limited to): fruit fly genetics, microscopy, and bioinformatics.

• Document experiments in lab notebooks.

• Participate in writing as support for possible future publications and/or grant submissions

• Contribute to the training and onboarding of an undergraduate student researcher.

• Active support for the College’s Principles of Community and Institutional Values in the performance of job duties.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:  

Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

 

• Ability to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail.

• Ability to interact with a diverse clientele of faculty, staff, and other members of a college community.

• Ability to process large amounts of information and manage multiple deadlines efficiently and accurately.

• Knowledge of Workday is a plus.

• Strong computer skills, preferably with Microsoft Office (Excel and Word)

• Experience with fruit fly maintenance and genetic crosses.

 

 

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

 

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, or any combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and ability to perform the job.

 

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES: 

None.

 

OTHER:

HOURS & CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS:

This is a temporary status, part-time (no more than 10 hours per week), non-benefits eligible, non-exempt position.

 

The regular hours for this position fall within the hours of Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Hours will vary due to the needs of the College or department.

 

This assignment is expected to begin on or around May 25, 2026, and end on or before August 31, 2026. This assignment may be extended based upon mutual agreement by both parties.

 

Hourly rate range: $20.00-$21.88. The hourly rate of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.   

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

None.

 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate. 

 

Physical and Mental Requirements

Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans. 

 

Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.  Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.  Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.  Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters.  Ability to hear within normal parameters.  Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file.  Ability to move about.  Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example to lift or move office supplies, files, books and packages.

 

At-Will Employment

Regular employment at the College is for no specified period of time; conditions and status of employment (hours, pay, title, duties, etc.) are subject to change at any time.  Scripps College is an At-Will employer.  Employees, and likewise the College, are free to end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice or cause, unless otherwise prohibited by law.