The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology seeks a Research Specialist I/II to join the teaching lab group, supporting EEB undergraduate courses. The Research Specialist will be part of a 3-person Teaching Lab team and will be trained in lab-specific techniques and protocols by other team members. This position supports faculty instructors and graduate AIs in teaching udergraduates in the EEB department's large-enrollment introductory biology course, as well as upper-level EEB lab courses. The ideal candidate enjoys a challenging position, is a detail-oriented person accustomed to problemsolving, brings intellectual curiosity to their endeavors, and can work independently as well as collaboratively.
The appointment is for one year, with possibility for renewal based on satisfactory performance and continued funding.
Applications should include a cover letter indicating why you are interested in the job and what you will bring to the position, a CV, and a contact list of at least three potential referees. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Set up lab materials, maintain during the week of each lab exercise, and clean up and store at the end of each week.
Guide undergraduates in lab procedures and relate to lecture concepts; assist in hands-on teaching of field techniques.
Support graduate AIs in experiment procedures, animal handling protocols, answering undergraduate questions regarding both lab and lecture material.
Significant time invested in procurement and care and maintenance of animals used in behavior experiments.
Assist in testing new housing and care regimes to allow permanent maintenance of invertebrates (also used for behavior experiments).
Assist with maintenance and propagation of plant collection, used for plant physiology studies.
Prepare reference specimens for weekly labs and monthly lab study sessions.
Prepare specimens for lab practical exams.
Assist with weekly data analysis, including:
• uploading and collating undergraduate data
• formulating and inputting equations for appropriate data transformation
• graphing with Excel and R
• creating, editing, updating in real-time R-shiny apps associated with lab
exercises
• running statistical analyses of lab and lecture-related data
Assist Director of Undergraduate Labs with document review and editing, particularly for lab protocols and lecture exams.
Assist with design and testing of new lab exercises, both lab-based and field-based.
Essential Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field
Educational or work experience in a biology lab, including basic chemistry skills
Must be dependable and have strong excellent communication skills
Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively
Excellent organizational skills; Strong attention to detail; Demonstrated ability to problem-solve
Ability to maintain meticulous lab notebook and record-keeping
Ability to lift approximately 40 lbs of water (or divide into two loads of 20 lbs each)
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience and/or education in organismal (whole organism) biology
Experience with/interest in evolution, ecology, animal behavior, physiology
Experience caring for freshwater fish tanks
Experience with mac computers and software
Familiarity with Microsoft Excel (especially Excel graphing), R and/or Rshiny apps
Master's degree preferred
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS