Title: Summer Research Assistant

Employee Classification: Non-Student Help - Hourly

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science

Department: UNT-Biological Sciences-121100

Job Location: Denton

Salary: $15.00 per hour

FTE: .48

Retirement Eligibility: Not Retirement Eligible

About Us - Values Overview:

Department Summary

Modern biology encompasses the study of all aspects of living systems from the molecular basis of genetic inheritance to the interactions between organisms and the environment. The mission of the Department of Biological Sciences is to provide quality education leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in biology, environmental biology, biochemistry and medical laboratory sciences. A vital component of that mission is scholarly activity, and faculty in the department conduct relevant basic and applied research and provide professional expertise and service to local, state and national constituencies.

Central to our mission is quality teaching, and faculty engage in instructional development to enhance their abilities to train professionals who will have the most up-to-date skills and professional ethics for meeting the demands of a technological society. Our success is measured by the success of our students and the quality of our intellectual contributions to the improvement of society.

Position Overview

We are currently seeking an Hourly Summer Research Assistant to pursue molecular biology on plant-based products for manufacturing. The project(s) will involve manipulating cotton genes with virus-based technologies to explore wood and phloem fiber characteristics in cotton and other industrial crops (kenaf and jute). The position will include training and experience in a molecular biology laboratory and will also involve field work at the Discovery Park field site (which will be hot and exposed).

The position will also include laboratory “chores” such as washing glassware and autoclaving, and assisting other researchers with various experiments. Academic requirements include being a biology major with course work in genetics, biochemistry, physiology, and allied subjects; a legitimate interest in plant biology is highly desired.”

Minimum Qualifications

The candidate must be pursuing or have a BSc degree in biology or related field; must be able to work periodically in a small field site at Discovery Park (must have their own transportation and be willing to periodically work outside).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology.
• Skills in communication and following and learning verbal and written instructions.
• Abilities in maintaining laboratory records, measuring and mixing liquids and solids, and maintaining biological materials.

Preferred Qualifications

BS in Biology with knowledge in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology; some prior laboratory experience is desired; a legitimate interest in plant biology and biotechnology is highly desired

Job Duties:

• The position will include training and experience in a molecular biology laboratory.
• Pursue molecular biology on plant-based products for manufacturing.
• Manipulate cotton genes with virus-based technologies to explore wood and phloem fiber characteristics in cotton and other industrial crops (kenaf and jute).
• Establish and maintain experimental material (cotton plants, etc.) in growth chambers, greenhouses, and the Discovery Park field site.
• Laboratory “chores” will include cleaning glassware and plant-growth supplies, autoclaving, preparing media, loading pipette tips, etc.
• Learn and adhere to all pertinent workplace safety guidelines.

Work Schedule:

19 hours a week in 4 to 6 hour shifts between hours of 9:00am to 5:00pm (mornings preferred), Monday to Friday; which hours and days contribute up to 20 hours is flexible by mutual consent.

Driving University Vehicle:

No

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.