Undergraduate Research Student (Summer, NIH Grant)

Position DetailsPosition Information Job Title Undergraduate Research Student (Summer, NIH Grant) Department Biology Terms and Hours 29 hrs/wk, Summer (13 weeks) Job Category Student Employment Hourly Wage $17.75/hr Job Summary This undergraduate research position will be part of an R15 AREA grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Student researchers will plan, execute, and interpret data relating to experiments using C. elegans to study the functions of genes that play roles in cell division. Responsibilities will include maintaining C. elegans and bacterial strains and lab inventories or reagents and organisms. The student researchers will work closely and collaboratively with Dr. Wynne and all other lab members to meet the experimental aims of the project. This undergraduate research position will be part of an R15 AREA grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Student researchers will plan, execute, and interpret data relating to experiments using C. elegans to study the functions of genes that play roles in cell division. Responsibilities will include maintaining C. elegans and bacterial strains and lab inventories or reagents and organisms. The student researchers will work closely and collaboratively with Dr. Wynne and all other lab members to meet the experimental aims of the project.Core Duties Maintain lab organisms: C. elegans cultures are maintained by routine tasks that include pouring agar plates, seeding plates with E. coli, transferring animals, monitoring the health and contamination of strains by microscopy, cleaning strains with bleach protocol when needed, and making frozen stocks of worm cultures when needed. E. coli bacterial cultures are maintained by making growth media and passaging organisms using sterile technique. It is essential to proper maintenance that all organisms are labeled with complete, correct genetic notation and that biosafety protocols are strictly followed.Maintain inventories of all organisms and reagents, including managing and organizing refrigerated and frozen reagents and organisms and updating the relevant databases.Perform, or assist Dr. Wynne and other lab members with, the execution of experiments, including experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation. Common experimental goals include performing genetic crosses; analyzing the fertility, viability, and anatomy of C. elegans. Common techniques include PCR, immunofluorescence, transmitted light and fluorescence microscopy, and digital image analysis.Promote Safety in the Laboratory: Enforce proper use of protective equipment, proper handling of chemical spills, proper handling of broken glassware, proper collection of chemical waste for disposal, and proper disposal of non-hazardous laboratory waste.Meet 2-3 times per week with Dr. Wynne and keep him up to date on all activities in the laboratory.Other relevant duties as assignedMinimum Qualifications Satisfactory evaluations in any previous position as a departmental assistant in the Department of Biology.Satisfactory progress toward a degree.Preference will be given to Biology majors and minors and qualified students who have Federal Work Study Awards, and/or students with prior experience as a laboratory worker.Preferred Qualifications Experience using C. Elegans cultures to perform experiments.Experience maintaining molecular biology laboratory equipment and supplies.Experience using sterile technique.Knowledge of methods of CRISPR gene editing.Physical Requirements N/APosting Detail Information Posting Number SE958-2023 Number of Vacancies 2 Estimated Start Date 05/11/2026 Open Date 03/01/2026 Close Date 03/31/2026

Created: 2026-04-02