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Part Time Research Assistant - Molecular Ecology - Environmental DNA Marker Development

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, Hazleton
May 07, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State Hazleton's Biology department is seeking applicants for a part-time research assistant to assist with aspects of environmental DNA (eDNA) marker development for aquatic invasive species (AIS) monitoring.

This project is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the applicant would work primarily at the Northeast Fishery Center in Lamar, Pennsylvania alongside federal research scientists.

The successful applicant will work with team members in the United States Department of Interior Early Detection and Rapid Response team for AIS. This interdisciplinary collaborative work group is comprised of state, federal, and academic researchers working to develop and refine early detection tools for AIS management. The work will focus on priority and emerging AIS threats across the United States. This wage position is a part-time position funded at $25 per hour and not to exceed 20 hours per week over a 48-week period (total hours funded = 594 hours).

Education and Experience:

Completion of or enrolled in a bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, or related field with experience in basic molecular techniques. Degree completion is preferred but not required. Specific laboratory skills could include DNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sample acquisition and management.Applicants must work well in a team environment and have an interest in natural resource conservation and management.

Responsibilities:

Specific job duties for this position include, but are not limited to following:

  • Assisting project personnel with tissue sample acquisition from museums or project partners.
  • Maintaining tissue inventory and database records
  • Assisting personnel in completion of molecular genetics laboratory work including but not limited to DNA extractions, PCR, sequencing applications, and quantitative PCR implementation
  • Assembling mitochondrial genomes and analyzing sequence data
  • Assisting with various laboratory and computer-based genomic tasks

The project requires the individual to be motivated, have good time management, be well-organized, detailed oriented, and to have the strong interpersonal skills required to work within a research team.

Application: To be considered for this position, please submit a resume/CV, a cover letter explaining your interest in this position, and three references with contact information. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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