Research Technician W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation

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The
W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation
invites applications for a
Research Technician
. In coordination with the Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases program of the National Science Foundation, the Luis Lab at **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. is examining how competitors affect mechanisms of disease transmission. The Research Technician will examine how small mammal competitors (such as voles and shrews) affect contact rates, stress, immunity, and transmission of Sin Nombre hantavirus in deer mice. This will be a 12-month, benefits-eligible position with an initial appointment of 1 year with possible continuation up to 3 years.
The Research Technician must be a highly motivated and dedicated individual with strong laboratory, organizational, and communication skills. This position will entail a combination of lab work, data entry, and some field work. The Research Technician will help coordinate project activities, perform and manage lab assays, assist with data management, and will have flexibility to determine the amount field work. There is also potential for candidate to gain experience in data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
Specific duties assigned to this position include:
Coordinating undergrad research assistants
Processing biological samples in the lab for RNA or antibodies to hantavirus, stress hormone metabolites, fecal parasite egg counts, cell culture.
Data Entry
While this position is primarily lab-based, on occasion duties may also include handling and taking biological samples from small mammals while following all safety protocols (e.g., wearing a half-face respirator), some overnight work, and travel to field sites more than one hour away. The Research Technician must be comfortable working in a laboratory setting and following established protocols. They will be required to work both independently and as a team member to execute research tasks. This position will include coordinating undergrad research assistants, including organizing field and lab schedules. Position could include overseeing undergrad lab technicians as they perform laboratory assays.
Upon completion of training, the incumbent will have developed the ability to perform the following lab analyses:
DNA/RNA extraction
PCR
ELISA
cell culture
stress hormone assays
fecal flotation to detect helminth parasite eggs
Ability to handle small mammals in the field while following safety protocols
**MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action
: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
Position Details
Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package
including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Salary for this position is $35,568 per year commensurate with qualifications.
Required Skills
Familiarity and experience with various laboratory practices and analyses,
high level of attention to detail and accuracy,
experience coordinating others,
strong work ethic and enthusiasm
ability to perform moderate physical activity in a field setting
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, wildlife biology, or related discipline,
experience with DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, ELISA, cell culture, stress hormone assays, fecal flotation to detect helminth parasite eggs
field experience
R or database management experience
About UM
and the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation
**MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. is flagship, research institution with more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.
The mission of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation is to advance research and education that fosters sustainability and empowers a holistic understanding of social-ecological systems.
To learn more about **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***., Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.
University of Montana
Video: Mission First, People Always
UM on YouTube
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment.
In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference.
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References
*References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.
Testing
Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
E mployment Eligibility.
All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

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