Post-Baccalaureate Advanced Laboratory Teaching and Research Assistant, Molecular Biology

Job Posting Location:

Claremont CA

Job Posting Title:

Job Description:

ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE:

Located near Los Angeles California Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nations premier liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887 Pomona College is known for small classes a challenging curriculum close relationships between students and faculty and a range of student research and leadership opportunities. Pomona is a member of The Claremont Colleges.

JOB PURPOSE: The Advanced Laboratory Teaching and Research Assistant for Biology and Molecular Biology will be in charge of support for the laboratory component of a subset of upper-division courses with molecular and cellular biology content in the Biology Department and Molecular Biology Program (e.g. Molecular Biology Lab Advanced Cell Biology Developmental Biology etc.). Because these courses incorporate course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) into the curriculum the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the creation of original research ideas and assist in preparation of the data generated for presentation or addition the duties of this individual include ordering supplies making solutions maintaining equipment sterilizing supplies updating computer software helping with setup/tear down of laboratory equipment maintaining the various animal lines used in our upper division teaching labs (e.g. the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans) and assisting with student-initiated research projects. This individual will also be responsible for hiring training and supervising students employed by the Biology Department and Molecular Biology Program in support of advanced laboratory teaching.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Reporting directly to the Chairs of Biology and Molecular Biology the Advanced Laboratory Teaching Assistant works independently and collaboratively to perform the following essential duties and responsibilities:

1. Prepare for instruction in the laboratories connected with advanced cell/molecular courses.

• Place orders and acquire materials needed for lab exercises.
• Prepare pH and autoclave solutions in advance of each laboratory session.
• Make media and pour plates as needed for advanced labs.
• Rack and autoclave disposable and reusable supplies for labs.
• Set up/tear down instrumentation and equipment.
• Attend and assist with some laboratory exercises as needed.
• Clean up and maintain the laboratory materials.
• Maintain an inventory of laboratory equipment databases of yeast strains and available animal model lines.
• Directly supervise several student employees (teaching assistants) hired to make media pour plates or complete other pre- and post-laboratory preparations. This individual must complete the bi-annual AB 1825 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training as required by the State of California.

2. Propagate rear select and maintain organisms used in advanced teaching laboratories.

• Maintain Drosophila melanogaster fly lines for advanced labs: make fly food maintain lines select lines needed prior to labs maintain inventories of available lines bank lines as needed.
• Maintain Caenorhabditis elegans nematode lines for advanced labs: make worm food pour plates maintain lines select lines needed prior to labs maintain inventories of available lines bank lines as needed.
• Help stock and select Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains as needed for experiments in the advanced Molecular Biology Teaching Laboratory.
• Maintain other model organisms as needed which are used in the advanced teaching laboratories.

3. Provide support with equipment computers and microscopes used in advanced teaching laboratories.

• As needed assist with purchasing equipment computers and microscopes that support the needs of advanced cell/molecular laboratory courses.
• Coordinate with suppliers for repairs temporary replacements or quotes for equipment used in advanced teaching labs.
• Maintain transport and set up the equipment and microscopes as needed to support weekly advanced teaching labs in cell and molecular biology courses.
• Maintain and update the software necessary to run equipment and computers in advanced teaching laboratories.
• Train students in the proper use and handling of equipment software and microscopes related to advanced laboratory courses in cell and molecular biology.

4. Maintain laboratory safety protocols and chemical safety inventories for reagents used in

advanced teaching laboratories for cell and molecular biology courses.

5. Coordinate special projects/tasks/duties and provide assistance as needed for the laboratory components of advanced cell and molecular biology courses in Biology and Molecular Biology.

6. Must safely lift and move supplies and equipment such as autoclave waste bags weighing up to 40 pounds and walk and stand for long periods of time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: B.A/B.S. in biology or related field is required.

Experience: No teaching experience is required. Proficiency with basic Microsoft Office (such as Word Excel and Outlook) is required. Familiarity with basic microscopy standard molecular biology equipment and statistical analysis software is preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL SKILLS: An individual in this position must possess the knowledge skills and abilities to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the job or must be able to demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed (with or without reasonable accommodation) using other knowledge skills and abilities not listed below.

1. Deploy professional skills in laboratory preparation and management in collaboration with colleagues and students to best promote the Colleges strategic interests.

• Follow established organizational policies and procedures.
• Know lab safety protocols and expect exposure to some chemicals while working in the laboratory.
• Demonstrate and accept overall responsibility for major work assignments team management and collaborations as they relate to College and departmental objectives.
• Ability to train students in basic laboratory techniques record-keeping and communication skills in the context of the courses taught.
• Work well with a diverse group of faculty and students in the classroom and laboratory.

2. Demonstrate effective accurate and clear communication with excellent verbal written interpersonal reading phone customer service and leadership skills to supervise facilitate motivate and inspire a highly diverse group of student employees. Follow all written and verbal instructions asking questions as needed for clarification of projects/tasks/duties/assignments.

3. Operate computers proficiently with basic Microsoft Office software (such as Word Excel Outlook) and associated professional software. Use assigned technology/devices/equipment to achieve annual goals and maintain confidentiality.

4. Handle all activities and highly confidential information with patience discretion good judgment courtesy and tact while working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

5. Prioritize and perform multiple projects/tasks meet deadlines/timelines respond to others in a timely manner and work both independently and as a collaborative member of the College with a high standard of integrity and ethics in support of the Colleges strategic vision and the divisions/departments annual goals.

6. Use exceptional organizational and time management skills to complete work with accuracy and a keen attention to detail.

• Must be a resourceful planner of work processes.
• Think independently and creatively solve problems.
• Adapt positively and proactively to changing circumstances to achieve results and to seek growth opportunities and solutions.
• Anticipate and address changes use available resources and manage time.

REQUIRED HOURS: The regular hours for this full-time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday Friday. Holiday weekend and evening work hours may occasionally be required. Travel may be required. Regular hours may vary due to the needs of the College or division.

HOURLY RATE: The hourly rate for this role is between $23.30 to $26.88 per hour. The specific factors that the College will consider when offering a salary to an individual will include but not be limited to: education training relevant prior experience and performance in prior roles. All staff positions are ineligible for visa or permanent resident card sponsorship. As a California employer Pomona College requires all employees to be residents of California.

ADA/OSHA: This job description defines the essential job duties of this position. The College expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. When duties and responsibilities change and develop the College will review this job description and make changes of business necessity.