Research Technician in Bat Disease Ecology

Apply now Job no:497556
Position type:full-time
Location:Lewisburg, PA
Categories:Postdoc / Research, Other, Clerical / Support, Academic Affairs

A research technician position is available in the laboratories of Dr. DeeAnn Reeder and Dr. Ken Field in the Department of Biology at Bucknell University. The preferred starting date is between February 1, 2024 and March 1, 2024.

This position is funded until at least February 2026 by an R01 grant from NIAID/NIH “Tolerance and resistance responses of African bats to viral antigens: Immunological tradeoffs in zoonotic reservoir hosts”. The goals of the project are to (1) understand the role that infection tolerance plays in the ability of African bat species to serve as reservoir hosts for virulent zoonotic viruses, and (2) identify the molecular and behavioral mechanisms that contribute to these tolerance phenotypes. Three species are being studied in Uganda using an Ebola virus-like-particle (eVLP) challenge model in which the interplay between bat heterothermy and immune function is also being explored.

Application materials should include three documents:
1. Cover letter that addresses your qualifications for and interest in this particular position,
2. Curriculum Vitae or Resume,
3. Contact information for at least three potential references that the committee may contact to request letters, if necessary.

Review of applications will begin January 12, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

Job Duties:
Duties for this position will combine field and captive animal studies, molecular/immunological methods to measure physiological and immune responses, and lab and project management. The research technician will spend up to half of their time in Uganda each year, with living expenses paid while in Uganda.

Minimum Qualifications:
Candidate must have a B.S. in biology or a related field and proficiency in oral and written English language skills. Excellent organizational and management skills required. Applications must be made online at: jobs.bucknell.edu.

Preferred Qualifications:
M.S. (preferred) in biology or a related field. Previous experience with field studies (in bats and/or international), comparative ecoimmunology, and/or molecular assays such as PCR and ELISAs preferred. Applicants with strengths in any one of these areas are encouraged to apply.

Physical Demands:
Applicants should be comfortable handling and collecting samples from live animals in remote field conditions. Some vaccinations required.

Work Type:
This is a full-time, year round, non-exempt benefits eligible position.

This role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship at this time, all candidates must be authorized to work in the US at the time of submission of the application.

Salary Range:
This is a staff non-exempt position with a hiring range of $17.16 - 21.45 (NE08). The offer rate will be based on a review of the candidate's credentials compared to the qualifications of the position, internal equity, and our overall compensation philosophy.

Benefits: 

Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):
- flexible scheduling options determined by role;
- medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
- an outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
- generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
- full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
- a comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
- a myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card 

To learn more about Bucknell's benefits, click here ! (*Eligibility criteria and waiting periods may apply.)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community.  We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings.  We encourage all individuals to apply and do not discriminate in admissions, employment, educational programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

About Bucknell

Founded in 1846 and located along the banks of the Susquehanna River in historic Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is an undergraduate-focused institution that stands uniquely at the intersection of top-ranked liberal arts, engineering and management programs. Our students choose from more than 60 majors and 70 minors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and natural and social sciences, as well as extensive global study, service-learning and research opportunities. Bucknell’s 3,700 undergraduate and 30 graduate students enjoy a low 9:1 student-faculty ratio and exceptional opportunities to collaborate with faculty mentors on scholarly and artistic projects.

Bucknell’s beautiful 450-acre campus includes first-rate facilities and is home to more than 90 percent of its undergraduate students. Student life is vibrant with about 200 student-run organizations, 27 NCAA Division I athletics teams, a robust arts culture, and a commitment among many of the students to community and global service work.

Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and we seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. The University provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status or disability in admissions, employment and in all of its educational programs and activities. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

The Community

Lewisburg (pop. 5,700) is located in central Pennsylvania and features beautiful Victorian homes, the restored art deco Campus Theatre (owned by the University), a variety of restaurants, shops and boutiques, and the Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore. It is the seat of Union County, which has about 44,000 residents.

The city of Williamsport is about a 30-minute drive from campus, and Penn State University’s main campus is about an hour away, as is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital. Bucknell is within a three-hour drive of New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

The cost of living is low compared to that of major U.S. cities and suburbs. Bucknell’s surroundings yield fresh produce, cultural activities and events, and outstanding opportunities for outdoor activity on the Susquehanna River and in the nearby state parks and forests. The Lewisburg Area School District receives excellent reviews for its schools at all grade levels. Lewisburg Area High School consistently ranks among the top 50 high schools in Pennsylvania for SAT scores and statewide exams.

Advertised:08 Dec 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:

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