Lab Technician, Ants of the World
About the Opportunity:
We have an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Technician supporting genomic research in characterizing global ant evolution. Under the supervision of Brian Fisher and Bonnie Blaimer, the position will be based in the Center for Comparative Genomics and will support the processing of ant samples for DNA extraction as part of the NSF-funded Ants of the World. The technician will manage incoming ant samples and will undertake laboratory work, including DNA extraction and shearing and general sample preparation for an external sequencing provider. They will also be responsible for managing sample pipelines and meta-data using established protocols. The incumbent will report to PI’s for day-to-day tasks.
The successful applicant will be meticulous in their approach to handling and processing samples and data and have good all-round experience handling samples for genetic analyses.
This is a fixed-term position of 12-20 hours/week with the possibility of extension based on funding.
Organizational Culture:
Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy's strategic plan includes three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.
We are committed to ensuring diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are intrinsic to Academy culture and operations, from recruitment and retention to science and advocacy.
We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications for the position.
This position is based in San Francisco, California. Please do not apply if you are not able to work onsite. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by Cal Academy Workers United. Once the Academy has a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Cal Academy Workers United this position will be subject to the terms and conditions of that contract. Candidates are required to have up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals receiving a conditional offer of employment from the California Academy of Sciences will be provided the full text of the vaccination policy. The California Academy of Sciences is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace, to protect its employees, volunteers and guests.
About the Institute for Biodiversity Sciences and Sustainability Team:
This project is part of the Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability (IBSS), is home to 13 departments/cores, and includes their associated collections, scientific and professional staff, and students. Together, we work to discover, explore, and celebrate biodiversity and its evolution on our changing planet. This collective knowledge provides the foundation for preserving and regenerating life on Earth.
Key Responsibilities:
Prepare reagents and consumables for the project
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Assist with ordering reagents and consumables as well as stock lab consumables (tubes, tips, etc.) for the project
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Specimen preparation for destructive and non-destructive extractions
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DNA extraction using column-based and other methods and DNA shearing using established protocols
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Database management
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Manage specimen submission to sequencing providers
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Follow all Academy safety regulations
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Perform other job-related duties as assigned
Qualifications: A successful candidate will have the following:
Experience and/or Education:
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Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or equivalent, MS preferred but not required
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Minimum two years experience in standard PCR/Sanger sequencing-based laboratory protocols
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Experience in DNA extraction and PCR protocols
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Experience working with insects and museum specimens preferred
Skills and Abilities:
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Good communication and organizational skills
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Ability to work as a member of a team
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Ability to perform repetitive work
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Perform standard PCR and DNA sequencing lab work
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Experience using relevant DNA analyses programs, MS Office and FileMaker Pro
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Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
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Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
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Ability to lift 10 lbs.
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Ability to perform repetitive motions 20% of the time
Physical Environment:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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Ability to with hazardous chemicals and handle chemical waste
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Ability to lift 10 lbs
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Ability to perform repetitive motions 50% of the time
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Roughly 30% of the time in this role will be spent seated doing computer work at a desk or preparing samples using a microscope, with the remaining time requiring walking and working around the lab spaces
Compensation and Benefits:
The hourly rate for this position is $28.00. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, skills/knowledge set, and internal equity. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
Please scroll down to "Other details" for this position's hiring range.
Schedule: Part-Time,12-20 hours per week
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Review of applications will begin on December 7, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please upload your resume and complete the brief online application
The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance(SF Police Code, Article 49).
We are committed to ensuring that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placements, transfers, promotions, compensation, benefits, terminations, training, and social and recreational programs, will be on the basis of qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled. The Academy does not discriminate against qualified applicants or employees with respect to any terms or conditions of employment on account of any characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. Read our full Equal Opportunity Statement here.
Other details
- Pay Type Hourly
- Employment Indicator Temporary PT
- Hiring Rate $28.00
- California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, United States of America