Project Assistant

OUR STATEMENT
The San Jose State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.

GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION
The PhAGE (Phage Adaptation and Genetic Evolution) laboratory investigates patterns of evolutionary adaptation and mutational effects in bacteria and the viruses that infect them (bacteriophages). We are particularly interested in mechanisms of genetic adaptation in changing environments. The Project Assistant will be responsible for carrying out bench experiments to further our research objectives. Specifically, they will maintain and evaluate cultures of bacteria and bacteriophages, as well as develop, modify, and implement techniques, including high-throughput sequencing, to evaluate microbial genomes. Protocols and data collected by the Project Assistant are expected to contribute to research presentations and publications. The Project Assistant will report regularly to the principal investigator to determine experimental objectives and design, and to provide progress updates.

Our laboratory is housed in the Department of Biological Sciences, located on the main campus of San Jose State University. In keeping with the department's goals to provide students with rigorous laboratory experiences and to create individualized mentoring opportunities within our research programs, the PhAGE laboratory is primarily undergraduate-run. The Project Assistant will be interacting with many first-time researchers from a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, and is expected to help create a welcoming and supportive environment for laboratory members to build research skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Laboratory Bench Work

• Maintain microbial cultures.

• Extract, prepare, and sequence microbial genomic material.

• Troubleshoot protocols for optimization.

• Ensure upkeep of laboratory spaces and materials.

• Accurately follow chemical and biohazard standard operating procedures.

Data Analysis

• Conduct bioinformatic and other data analyses as needed.

Communication

• Maintain detailed records of laboratory protocols, collected data, and analytic techniques.

• Meet regularly with principal investigator to discuss progress.

• Demonstrate laboratory techniques to less experienced researchers.

• Other Duties as Assigned

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS
1) Reports to laboratory's principal investigator.
2) Interacts with San Jose State University staff, faculty, and students.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
N/A

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications

• MS in a biological science required.

• Proficiency with laboratory standard operating procedures for low-risk (BSL-1) microorganisms.

• Proficiency in culturing of bacterial cells.

• Proficiency in culturing of bacteriophage samples.

• Experience with genetic techniques (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis).

Additional Requirements

• Experience executing protocols for high-throughput sequencing.

• Experience using R, Python, or other bioinformatic software or programs.

• Technological proficiency in applications such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, ApE or Benchling, and NCBI.

• Ability to work independently or as the point person on a team.

• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills.

• Strong record-keeping skills.

Physical Demands

• May be required to sit or stand at a laboratory bench, or sit or work at a computer terminal, for long periods of time.

• May be required to walk/travel to different floors within a building.

• May be required to walk/travel across campus to other buildings on the main campus.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the SJSURF. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current SJSURF employees who apply for the position.

NOTE: This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.

Compensation Range:

BENEFITS
The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).

• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.

• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.

• 14 paid federal & state holidays.

• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.

• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.

• Employee discounts.

• Paid training and professional-development conferences.

Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information.

ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION
SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San Jose State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization's funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities.

San Jose State University Research Foundation is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.

It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment or services are not subjected to discrimination. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. This policy is in accordance with federal, state and local laws and reaffirms the Research Foundation's continuing commitment to both the spirit and intent of equal employment opportunity laws and policies.

San Jose State University Research Foundation is an EOE M/F/Vet/Disability. Learn more about our organizations EEO and AAP policy by visiting our website HERE. Data metrics on the AAP is available for review upon request. Please also visit OFCCP for additional resources: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters.

If you have any questions or need assistance or an accommodation in completing this application, please contact Research Foundation HR at (408) 924-5582.

We participate in E-verify. Please click here for more information