Temporary Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant

Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Statement                                    

In addition to its commitment to a harassment-free educational and working environment, the College is an equal employment opportunity employer. The College is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable state and federal laws on the matter. The College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition or medical leave, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. The College also prohibits the harassment of any employee on any of these bases.

Location:

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Job Details and Requirement:

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Reynaga Lab, based in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and
Organismal Biology at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), is seeking a temporary, full-time Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant to support NSF-funded research in organismal biomechanics.

This position is funded through a National Science Foundation grant administered by Claremont McKenna College (CMC). The post-bac will be hired through CMC but will be based at and conduct the majority of their work at UCR in the Reynaga Lab.

The Reynaga lab integrates biological approaches spanning biophysics, biomechanics, and physiology to explore how animals move. Our research focuses on how whole- body movements, neuro-muscular control, and muscle-tendon tissue mechanics contribute to organismal performance, particularly focusing on the trade-off`s between control strategies across biological scales. For more information about the lab and our research please visit, the Reynaga Lab website (www.reynagalab.weebly.com).

We are seeking individuals with a strong interest in biomechanics, physiology, anatomy, neuroscience or related fields. Ideal candidates will have research experience in biology research, a collaborative mindset, and enthusiasm for learning. The post-bac will receive hands-on mentoring and opportunity for professional development. As well as mentored training in experimental techniques and research project management.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in data collection, including high-speed videography, locomotor performance trials, and morphometric or kinematic measurements.
• Conduct data and statistical analysis.
• Contribute to lab organization and maintenance of research equipment.
• Manage day-to-day animal care in collaboration with other lab members.
• Participate in lab meetings and contribute to ongoing scientific discussions.
• Contribute to research presentations and/or manuscripts when appropriate.
• Mentor undergraduate research assistants representing a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds, political opinions, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, and religions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in biology, physiology, biomechanics, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE: Research experience in biology research.

LICENSES: A valid driver’s license or equivalent alternate form of transportation is required. A valid driver’s license is required to drive College-owned vehicles and the ability to be insured under the College’s authorized driver’s policy.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Strong interest in comparative physiology, functional morphology, neuromechanics, or organismal biology
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment

REQUIRED HOURS: The regular hours for this full-time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Regular hours may vary due to the needs of the College or division. Some evening and/or weekend work may be required to support campus programs and activities. Occasional requirements to work outside of standard business hours may be required to ensure timely responsiveness to our college community.

CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS: This is a full-time, temporary, non-exempt, ACA benefits-eligible position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment include reaching, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. May occasionally lift/push/pull items up to 20 lbs.        
 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: No

PAY RANGE: $18.00 per hour

TIMELINE: The position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately, with priority given to those received by Monday, September 22nd. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early for full consideration. The successful candidate is expected to begin as soon as possible.

GROOMING AND APPEARANCE: Employees are expected to wear attire that is appropriate to the office or department in which they work.

BACKGROUND CHECK: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a full consumer background check. Certain positions will require the successful completion of a post-offer physical agility test. Employment is contingent on the satisfactory results of the aforementioned, in addition to compliance with the requirements cited in this job description.

ADA/OSHA: This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of this position. It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing the risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Duties and responsibilities can change and develop over time, accordingly the College reviews job description on a periodic basis and may make changes of business necessity.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT: Employment with the College is “at-will” meaning that the terms of employment may be changed with or without notice, with or without cause, including, but not limited to termination, demotion, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, duties, and location of work. There is no agreement express or implied between the College and you for continuing or long-term employment. While the College has every hope that employment relationships will be mutually beneficial and rewarding, employees and the College retain the right to terminate the employment relationship at will, at any time, with or without cause. The President is the only person who can modify or alter the at-will employment relationship.

Claremont McKenna College hires and promotes individuals on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.  Inquiries may be directed to the Director for Human Resources, 528 N. Mills Avenue, Claremont, California 91711-4015, (909) 621-8490.  All applicants must complete and submit an online application to be considered for an open position.

Employment is contingent upon new employee providing documents verifying U.S. citizenship or, for aliens, documents verifying legal permission to work in the United States, applicant's acceptability for positions requiring use of a college vehicle is contingent upon a driving record acceptable to the College's automobile liability insurance. Promotion from within is encouraged whenever qualified employees of Claremont McKenna College are available. Interested employees of the College are urged to contact the Office of Human Resources if qualified for any open position. Please do not contact departments directly.

Disability Accommodations                                                                                    

In compliance with applicable laws ensuring equal opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, CMC will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual (applicant or employee) with a disability if the disability affects the performance of essential job functions, unless the accommodation results in an undue hardship for the College. Employment decisions are based on the merit and not an individual’s disability.               

An applicant or employee who requires an accommodation should contact the immediate supervisor and the Human Resources Office. If multiple accommodations are identified that do not pose an undue hardship for the College, the selection of an accommodation will be at CMC’s discretion. To request disability accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (909) 621-8490 or [email protected] for assistance.