"Temporary Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant"

Job Details

Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Statement: In addition to its commitment to a harassment-free educational and working environment, the College is an equal employment opportunity employer. The College is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable state and federal laws on the matter. The College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition or medical leave, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. The College also prohibits the harassment of any employee on any of these bases.

Location: Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title: Temporary Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant

BASIC FUNCTION: The Reynaga Lab, based in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), is seeking a temporary, full-time Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant to support NSF-funded research in organismal biomechanics. This position is funded through a National Science Foundation grant administered by Claremont McKenna College (CMC). The post-bac will be hired through CMC but will be based at and conduct the majority of their work at UCR in the Reynaga Lab. The Reynaga lab integrates biological approaches spanning biophysics, biomechanics, and physiology to explore how animals move. Our research focuses on how whole-body movements, neuro-muscular control, and muscle-tendon tissue mechanics contribute to organismal performance, particularly focusing on the trade-offs between control strategies across biological scales. For more information about the lab and our research please visit the Reynaga Lab website (www.reynagalab.weebly.com). We are seeking individuals with a strong interest in biomechanics, physiology, anatomy, neuroscience or related fields. Ideal candidates will have research experience in biology research, a collaborative mindset, and enthusiasm for learning. The post-bac will receive hands-on mentoring and opportunity for professional development. As well as mentored training in experimental techniques and research project management.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in data collection, including high-speed videography, locomotor performance trials, and morphometric or kinematic measurements.
• Conduct data and statistical analysis.
• Contribute to lab organization and maintenance of research equipment.
• Manage day-to-day animal care in collaboration with other lab members.
• Participate in lab meetings and contribute to ongoing scientific discussions.
• Contribute to research presentations and/or manuscripts when appropriate.
• Mentor undergraduate research assistants representing a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds, political opinions, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, and religions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in biology, physiology, biomechanics, or a related field.
• EXPERIENCE: Research experience in biology research.
• LICENSES: A valid driver’s license or equivalent alternate form of transportation is required. A valid driver’s license is required to drive College-owned vehicles and the ability to be insured under the College’s authorized driver’s policy.
• REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Strong interest in comparative physiology, functional morphology, neuromechanics, or organismal biology; Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• REQUIRED HOURS: The regular hours for this full-time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Regular hours may vary due to the needs of the College or division. Some evening and/or weekend work may be required to support campus programs and activities. Occasional requirements to work outside of standard business hours may be required to ensure timely responsiveness to our college community.
• CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS: This is a full-time, temporary, non-exempt, ACA benefits-eligible position.
• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment include reaching, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. May occasionally lift/push/pull items up to 20 lbs.
• SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: No
• PAY RANGE: $18.00 per hour
• TIMELINE: The position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately, with priority given to those received by Monday, September 22nd. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early for full consideration. The successful candidate is expected to begin as soon as possible.
• GROOMING AND APPEARANCE: Employees are expected to wear attire that is appropriate to the office or department in which they work.
• BACKGROUND CHECK: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a full consumer background check. Certain positions will require the successful completion of a post-offer physical agility test. Employment is contingent on the satisfactory results of the aforementioned, in addition to compliance with the requirements cited in this job description.
• ADA/OSHA: This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of this position. It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing the risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.