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Post-Baccalaureate Research Associate Position in Behavioral Neuroscience / Neuroethology
Jobs & Postdocs
Posted Mar 8
The Lee Lab of Neural Systems and Behavior at St. Olaf College seeks a full-time Post-Baccalaureate Research Technician. We investigate auditory perception in the acoustic parasitoid fly Ormia ochracea, which relies on their sense of directional hearing to locate field cricket hosts by eavesdropping on their calling songs. Our research involves the use of cutting-edge research tools for behavioral tracking, laser vibrometry to study the mechanotransduction of auditory input, and extracellular/intracellular neurophysiology experiments to characterize the neural correlates of auditory perception.

This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with a PI that is distinctly committed to your training and career development. It is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking additional experiences in behavioral neuroscience prior to applying for graduate school programs.


Link to the application portal here.
 

Position Title:  Post-baccalaureate Research Associate 

Department: Biology Department

Reports To: Associate Professor of Biology (Norman Lee)

Classification:  Exempt   FTE:   1.0      Salary: $43,680
 

Essential Job Duties: 

1.      Collect and maintain laboratory colonies of Ormia ochracea 

  • Perform laboratory tasks related to propagating flies.
  • Oversee animal care responsibilities.
  • Maintain population records.
  • Collect specimens from field sites.

2.      Conduct research studies 

  • Develop experiments in consultation with the principal investigator.
  • Perform laboratory and field-based experiments.
  • Record, tabulate, and calculate data through operation of various electronic devices.

3.      Assist with the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents 

  • Assist in the statistical analyses research data.
  • Assist in the preparation of collecting permits, reports, and protocols, and manuscripts for publication in academic peer-reviewed journals.

4.       Supervisory Responsibilities 

  • Train student researchers.
  • Supervise and coordinate the work of student researchers.

5.      General Responsibilities 

  • Attend lab meetings.
  • Maintain and order equipment and supplies.
  • Support, respect, and commit to embracing diverse backgrounds, values, and points of view to build a strong and inclusive community
  • Complete and meet deadlines for required training and performance management cycle
  • Perform other duties as assigned            

Work Schedule:

Term: Year-round

Shift:  Typically Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm, with occasional evening and weekend hours. Possible travel up to 10% of the work schedule, which includes local (Twin Cities metro area), national travel to field collecting sites in Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, and Hawaii, and international travel depending on academic conference locations. Overnight trips average 3-5 trips per year.

Required Qualifications: 

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in science, majoring in Biology, Neuroscience, or related fields.
  • Maintain a valid driver’s license and meet St. Olaf College driver authorization criteria with a satisfactory driving record.
  • Ability to commit to this position for a two-year period.

Experience:

  • Some experience conducting research work in a research lab setting, or other relevant experiences.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Education:  Preferred level of education or field of study

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology and/or Neuroscience.

Experience:

  • Knowledge of basic laboratory methodology.
  • Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet and word processing software
  • Ability to work with and handle different types of insects
  • Ability to deal with pressure situations
  • Ability to gather and compile data
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision

 

Prerequisites:

Employment in this position is conditioned upon successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal background checks, reference checks, verification of work history, verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, a motor vehicle check, verification of a DOT certification, a credit check, employment eligibility verification, and/or a pre-employment physical. Whether a background check is deemed successfully completed will be at the sole discretion of St. Olaf College.  Please note that St. Olaf College reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to conduct periodic background checks.
 

Disclaimer:

This job description is for general information purposes. It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position. This job description is subject to change at any time, with or without prior notice, by St. Olaf College.

 

Who We Are:

Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a residential, coeducational liberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students and 800 faculty and staff. The college is located on a picturesque 300-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, a vibrant, historic river town of 20,000 located 45 minutes south of culturally rich and diverse Minneapolis and St. Paul. 

The college offers an academically rigorous, nationally ranked liberal arts education that fosters the development of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit and emphasizes learning in an inclusive and globally engaged community. We encourage applications from candidates committed to multicultural understanding and the enrichment of our diverse community.

The college offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 9% retirement match, monthly contributions to a retirement healthcare account, contributions to eligible employees' health savings accounts, a significant tuition discount (up to an 80% reduction) at ACM and ELCA colleges and universities for employees' children, and generous paid time off. For a full review of the college's benefits, please see the summary of our benefits here: https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/benefits/

To provide a safe and secure educational environment, St. Olaf College verifies the accuracy of all credentials presented by applicants and conducts a criminal background check on every new hire.

A summary of the Flexible Work Policy for staff: https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/flexible-work-policy/

A link to our DEI page: https://wp.stolaf.edu/equity-inclusion/

A virtual campus tour: https://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia/play/?p=483

An overview of Northfield: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/northfield/

An overview of the Twin Cities: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/twincities/

The college strongly recommends that incoming students and new employees complete the primary COVID vaccine series before beginning their studies or work on campus, and that all members of our campus community remain up to date with COVID vaccines, per CDC guidance

St. Olaf College is an equal employment opportunity employer.  The College is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community.  With regard to its hiring and employment practices, the College prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment based upon an individual’s legally protected status including race, color, creed, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance.

For Staff Application Assistance:

[email protected]
507-786-3068