The Rosvall Lab in the Department of Biology at Indiana University, Bloomington is seeking a Research Associate/Lab manager. Our department is a large, unified department with world-class research spanning all levels of biological organization and diverse experimental systems. Our lab in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior investigates the genomic and physiological bases of behavior. Our research uses conceptual and analytical tools from animal behavior, neuroendocrinology, evolutionary ecology, physiology, and genomics. We spend up to four months of the year doing fieldwork with wild birds, and the rest of the year we process samples and data in the lab. The overarching goal for this position is to make timely progress on our NSF grant (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2411741), which explores how cavity-nestling birds use behavior to mitigate negative effects of heat. We are excited about science and looking for another positive, curious person to join our team. All members of our team contribute to the projects of other team members – this may include assistance with a research protocol, feedback on seminars, edits on manuscripts, and so on. My philosophy is that a collaborative and supportive research environment benefits everyone involved. You play a key supporting role in achieving these goals.
Core job duties include: (1) Supervising undergrads as the leader of the field research team (March to July). Field work is generally local (southern Indiana), though there are also occasional domestic field trips too. (2) Leading our research compliance, IACUC, lab safety, permits, and associated documentation. (3) Management and analysis of longitudinal data. (4) Learning, conducting and teaching other lab members our key research protocols. In the lab, this may include: EIA, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, qPCR, and various statistical analyses in R. In the field, this will include both observational and hand-on skills with birds. (5) Writing up research (e.g. for our annual reports or for manuscripts) or presenting findings (e.g. at lab meeting).
Other general responsibilities include: testing lab or field equipment, collecting data using established protocols, managing general lab operations, troubleshooting problems in the field and lab, and participating in lab meetings.
Education and Experience Required: Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience in a research setting OR Master’s degree that includes research experience.
Required skills:
- Demonstrates mastery of time management
- Maintains high degree of professionalism
- Ability to work effectively as a team
- Ability to be organized and detail-oriented
- Proficient communication skills, written and oral
- Anticipates and solves problems
- Highly dependable
- High degree of initiative
- Flexibility for research tasks that vary seasonally and include bouts of intense work
Preferred skills
- Hands on research experience with birds
- Experience with field research
- Proficiency in working with large datasets
- Proficiency in one or more molecular or endocrine lab skills
Working conditions/demands: The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment, in the lab and in remote, rural areas. Access to research sites will require an active driver’s license and seasonal use of a personal vehicle, with gas mileage to be reimbursed. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 20 pounds
To apply, please submit (1) a cover letter describing your research and educational background, your career goals, why you are interested in this position, and the date you are available to start, (2) a CV or resume, and (3) the names and contact info of two references. This can be submitted at the following link: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/27167. For questions about the position, contact Kim (krosvall@iu.edu).
Timing and Compensation: Review of applicants will begin December 31 and continue until the position is filled. Ideal start date is Jan 15, 2024, but there is flexibility on this point. The initial appointment is for 1 year, and reappointment for up to 4 years is contingent upon satisfactory performance. Salary is commensurate with experience and starting at $43,888. Full benefits are included.
More about the department, campus, and town: The department of Biology is a large, unified department with strong undergraduate degrees, nationally-ranked graduate programs, and world-class research spanning the breadth of biological questions and experimental systems — from ecosystems to microbiology and developmental biology, from evolution to cell biology, from molecular biology to systems biology, bioinformatics, and genomics. It is always an exciting time for Biology — enormous advances in global genome analysis coupled with unprecedented developments in interdisciplinary research have made the 21st century the Century of Biology. For more information about the department, you can find it here. The Department is part of The College of Arts + Sciences, the oldest and largest academic division of Indiana University. The College values diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core strength and essential element in the success of its educational mission. For the full statement, click here. Bloomington is a vibrant and culturally rich college town in the forested rolling hills of Southern Indiana, near ample hiking and natural areas. Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.
