Job Title: Research Assistant, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 28677
Location: UMKC Volker Campus
Full/Part Time: Part-Time
Job ID: 36521
Hiring Department School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Department of Genetics, Developmental and Evolutionary Biology

Job Description

The University of Missouri – Kansas City, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences seeks to hire a Research Assistant that will work full-time year-round, supporting the needs of the Division of Biology’s undergraduate teaching laboratories. The Research Assistant will work closely with the instructors and lab coordinator to primarily support the microbiology preparatory laboratory but may offer support for other labs as needed. This position will perform several laboratory tasks to include but not limited to the maintenance of bacterial cultures, preparation of growth media, reagents and various other supplies that support our undergraduate microbiology laboratory courses. This position will also be responsible for maintaining safe teaching laboratory spaces by performing routine decontamination of biohazardous waste, surfaces, and equipment. The ideal candidate will work independently and take initiative to complete daily/weekly/monthly tasks with minimal oversight. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Effective and prompt communication with instructors, lab coordinator and/or other lab assistants
• Safe, accurate and consistent culturing of a variety of bacterial strains, including those classified as human pathogens
• Accurate and consistent preparation of a wide variety of growth media, reagents, solutions, and other assorted classroom materials
• Safe handling, prompt decontamination and disposal of biohazardous waste and contaminated surfaces according to UMKC protocol
• Safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals according to UMKC protocol
• Safe operation and maintenance of small and large laboratory equipment, including autoclave and biosafety cabinets
• Maintaining clean, organized, and safe classroom and preparatory laboratories
• Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds for short distances
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Biology, Microbiology, or closely related field
• High attention to detail, dependability, and strong critical thinking skills
• Prior experience employing aseptic technique
• Prior experience culturing bacteria with both solid and liquid growth media
• Demonstrated success in following laboratory protocols
• Demonstrated ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing needs

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience using aseptic technique with demonstrated success in maintaining bacterial cultures
• 2 or more years of experience and demonstrated success in preparing a wide array of growth media
• 2 or more years of experience working in a scientific laboratory setting, performing basic lab tasks such as mixing solutions, handling hazardous chemicals, and using a variety of basic lab equipment such as water baths, pH meters, balances, pipettors, etc.
• Prior experience staining bacteria with basic techniques such as gram stains and capsule stains
• Prior experience handling BSL-2 level organisms
• Prior experience working in laminar flow hoods, biosafety cabinets and operating autoclaves and glassware washers
• Prior experience calibrating small laboratory equipment such pH meters, scales, etc.

Full Time/Part Time

Full-time, benefits eligible,12-month unranked, non-tenure track academic appointment.

Salary

$15.00 – 20.00/hr. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Deadline This position will be open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received.

Application Instructions

To be considered, you must complete the application which contains two (2) sections: 1. Name and Contact Information 2. Combine all application materials (a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a list of at least five references) into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as a resume attachment.

Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /,&, %, etc.).

If you need technical assistance, please call (800) 488-5288.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Vice Chancellor - Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and functions of this job. If you believe you may have difficulty performing any of the duties or functions of this job, please contact the Office of Affirmative Action at (816) 235-1323.

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UMKC values diversity as central to its mission as an urban-serving research university and as a driver of excellence in teaching and learning. UMKC embraces a broad spectrum of diversities, including race, ethnicity, culture, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, linguistic ability, learning style, religion, socioeconomic and veteran status, life experiences, educational level and family structure. For more information on our diversity mission, visit the Office of Diversity and Inclusion website: http://info.umkc.edu/diversity/

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