Research Technician in Biological Fluid Mechanics

Appointment: The Pepper Lab at the University of Puget Sound is seeking to hire an excellent research technician. This position has the potential to be full-time (1.0 FTE) or three quarter time (0.75 FTE) depending on finalist and project needs. This position is initially available for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal, up to 2 years and 6 months depending on department needs, budget and mutual agreement.

Position Summary:
The Pepper Lab investigates biophysical questions with a focus on fluid mechanics: we look at how water interacts with living organisms using experiments, theory, and numerical simulations. The technician will assist with an on-going project to determine what variables affect feeding rates of microscopic surface-attached single-celled organism in order to help more deeply understand both their critical ecological role in aquatic environments and how they help keep bodies of water clean and in balance.
Technician duties may include daily lab tasks, organism care and maintenance, measuring fluid flow in the lab, analyzing experimental data using MATLAB or Python, numerical simulations of fluid flow and nutrient transport, mentorship of undergraduate research students, writing manuscripts for publication, and general data management. Necessary trainings (e.g., Particle Image Velocimetry, use of COMSOL simulation software) will be provided by the PI. Once proficient in laboratory techniques, the research assistant will be given their own projects to conduct and finish (hopefully with lead author publications).

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate (or Masters) degree in physics, biology, biophysics, computer science, engineering, or similar background with 1) experience performing independent research; 2) experience with computer programming or interest in learning 3) interest in questions at the interface of physics and biology; 4) excellent organizational skills; 5) enthusiasm for working with and mentoring undergraduate research students; and 6) the ability to work well with others to contribute to a positive, productive, and inclusive work environment.

Compensation and Benefits: Decisions about starting salaries are made based on the extent and relatedness of the candidate's education and experience and on internal equity and market considerations.

This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Puget Sound offers a generous benefits package. For more information, visit: http://www.pugetsound.edu/about/offices-services/human-resources/overview-of-university-benefit/.

Application Deadline: Interested individuals are encouraged to submit application materials no later than December 2, 2019 to ensure consideration.

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

Applications submitted without the required attachments will not be considered.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a background inquiry and if applicable for the position, drug screen, physical test and functional assessment.

Diversity Statement:

• We acknowledge the richness of commonalities and differences we share as a university community; the intrinsic worth of all who work and study here; that education is enhanced by investigation of and reflection upon multiple perspectives.
• We aspire to create respect for and appreciation of all persons as a key characteristic of our campus community; to increase the diversity of all parts of our University community through commitment to diversity in our recruitment and retention efforts; to foster a spirit of openness to active engagement among all members of our campus community.
• We act to achieve an environment that welcomes and supports diversity; to ensure full educational opportunity for all who teach and learn here; to prepare effectively citizen-leaders for a pluralistic world.

Puget Sound is committed to an environment that welcomes and supports diversity. We seek diversity of identity, thought, perspective, and background in our students, faculty, and staff. To learn more please visit: http://www.pugetsound.edu/about/diversity-at-puget-sound/

The University of Puget Sound is an equal opportunity employer.