Research Assistant (Biology)

Amherst College invites applications for the Research Assistant (Biology) position. The Research Assistant is a full-time, fixed-term position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $21 - $23 per hour.

The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.

This is a research assistant position in the Miller laboratory and greenhouse in the Department of Biology, which will contribute to ongoing research focused on plant reproductive evolution. The primary responsibilities include (i) the design and implementation of bioinformatics pipelines for analyzing large-scale genomics and transcriptomics data, (ii) molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and cloning), (iii) experimental studies of plants in the greenhouse, and (iv) manuscript preparation. Additional responsibilities may involve (v) microscopy studies and (vi) curation of laboratory databases.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Data management, analysis, and manuscript preparation

• Develop bioinformatic pipelines for the analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data
• Assist undergraduate students with implementation of bioinformatic pipelines
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, including data analysis and figure preparation

Assistance in the laboratory and greenhouse

• Assist undergraduate students with molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and cloning)
• Maintenance and experimental studies of plants in the greenhouse

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's Degree
• 1 to 3 years of related experience
• Equivalent combination of education/experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience
• Prior experience managing large data sets, implementing bioinformatic pipelines, and statistical analysis in R
• Prior experience working independently and with molecular biology techniques (RNA/DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR)
• Knowledge of plant biology and evolution and experience in scientific writing
• Successful completion of required reference and background checks
• An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check

Preferred

• College degree in biology (or related field) with advanced coursework in evolution and biostatistics