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Student Research Assistant

Position Overview

The Mack lab (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) is hiring an undergraduate to assist with mouse care and animal research. The Mack lab studies evolutionary genetics in mice (www.katyamack.com). The successful applicant be involved in research activities including mouse care and breeding, measuring food/water consumption in mice, data management, tissue collection, and lab work. Please note that this position requires (1) extensive handling of mice, and (2) dissecting mice to collect tissue, so the applicant should not be squeamish. This position also requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to learn a range of skills related to animal research, evolution and genetics, and written and oral presentation skills.

Job Description

70% - Research Support and Experimental Work

Assist with mouse research activities, including breeding, collecting phenotype data, dissecting specimens, and performing wet lab experiments.

15% - General Laboratory Operations

Communicate effectively with team members regarding experimental plans and progress, maintain inventory and supplies, manage data, and keep the workspace organized.

10% - Documentation and Record Keeping

Maintain an accurate, up‑to‑date laboratory notebook detailing all experimental procedures, and ensure thorough records of mouse husbandry are consistently updated.

5% - Meetings and Collaboration

Participate in research and project meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps.

Required Qualifications

Must be available during standard business hours for 2–3 hour blocks, 2–3 days per week throughout the semester, as indicated on application materials.
Must be able to continue in this research role over the summer, with a minimum weekly commitment of 5–10 hours, as indicated in application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

Interest in evolutionary biology, molecular biology, or animal biology, as indicated in application materials.

Position Requirements

The position requires extended periods of time standing and bending at the waist while working with mice.
During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.

(2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.