Hawai’i Cooperative Studies Unit
HCSU LABORATORY RESEARCH ASSOCIATE– ID# 224233.
CLOSING DATE: April 29, 2024, or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by the RCUH (whichever comes first). INQUIRIES: Lori Bufil 808-932-7977 (Hawaiʻi).
Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Hawai’i Cooperative Studies Unit (HCSU) at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo (UHH) in collaboration with the United States Geological Survey Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center (USGS PIERC). Work location is in the USGS PIERC office in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $4,333.25 - $5,000/Mon.
DUTIES: Assists project staff in investigating the ecology, impacts, and control of invasive species and vector-transmitted avian disease in the Pacific Basin. Duties include, but are not limited to, coordinating sample collections, preparing next-generation libraries, performing PCR and qPCR and DNA extractions, developing loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and/or LAMP + CRISPR assays. Conducts work as part of collaborative projects with USGS PIERC and communicates regularly and effectively with project staff to determine priorities, protocols, and scheduling. Performs all operations according to accepted safety standards and established protocols, and contributes to creating and preserving a positive work environment while serving as a valued member of the research team. Coordinates sample collections, obtains and maintains field survey and laboratory data, follows decontamination protocols, and ensures proper data collection protocols are followed. Assists with maintenance of field and lab equipment/gear. Utilizes complex equipment in the lab (e.g., autoclave, centrifuges, micropipettes, etc.). Regularly enters data into spreadsheets, performs data quality control, management and archiving. Submits regular progress reports on field and lab work, and works with project staff on creating standard operating procedures (SOPs), performing basic analyses and summarizing data, and writing methods and results for technical reports or journal publications. Performs other duties as assigned.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
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EDUCATION |
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Wildlife Science, or other related conservation science, natural resources, or biological discipline. Some coursework at the Master’s level from an accredited college or university in genetics, DNA extraction, or related field. |
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EXPERIENCE |
One to three (1-3) years of experience conducting biological research. Experience must include at least six (6) months of laboratory work including data collection, data management, and method documentation. Prior experience with molecular lab techniques including extracting genomic DNA from tissue or environmental samples. |
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KNOWLEDGE |
Familiarity with scientific research methods relative to conservation biology. Knowledge of general methods involved in gathering and recording field and laboratory data for research and management projects, including use of computers to download data. Knowledge of basic principles of extraction of nucleic acids and molecular biology. Competent in desktop computer operation (e.g., word processing, databases, and spreadsheets) and safe operation of routine laboratory instruments. |
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ABILITIES & SKILLS |
Effective oral and written communication skills to plan and document lab activities, ability to write progress reports and lab protocols to assist with project reports and publications. Ability to follow and execute complex sampling protocols for field and lab data collection, process samples for additional analyses, accurately record biological data both in the field and lab, and maintain and manage data collected. Ability to maintain good rapport with project staff. Ability to assist with developing strategies and protocols for data collection efforts. Demonstrated ability to safely handle chemicals and perform standard duties in a molecular lab. Ability to enter and manage data, and perform basic data analysis. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to complete USGS Laboratory Safety training immediately upon hire and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months. |
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PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS |
Lab work requires the ability to stand for prolonged periods of time while conducting laboratory procedures. |
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POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT |
As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.). |
SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:
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Working knowledge of Hawai‘i’s diverse ecosystems and geography, conservation challenges, native and non-native flora and fauna, principles of Hawai‘i’s terrestrial ecology and conservation biology, and social landscapes. Additional years of experience conducting biological field and lab research in Hawai‘i. Experience with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), developing primers, and sequencing DNA. Documented ability to organize and complete multiple field or lab procedures daily. |
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/work/careers/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Supervisory References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/document-library/3-000/benefits/rcuh-benefits-at-a-glance/ for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.
RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.
RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.
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