Part-Time Laboratory Assistant, Ant Biology - Kronauer Lab

Primary Work Address: 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065

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The Kronauer Lab at Rockefeller University studies social evolution and behavior within complex insect societies.  The sophisticated behavior, communication and division of labor within ant colonies make these social insects ideal model systems for this work.  The Kronauer lab uses an integrative approach to understand how natural selection shapes the evolution of insect societies and how social life is regulated at the level of genes, brains, individuals, and colonies. More information about the lab can be found on their website .

About the Laboratory Assistant role:
Alongside two research technicians, you will work with the lab’s model organism, the clonal raider ant, to ensure that the ants’ basic needs (food, water, etc.) are met in support of various experiments. You will also perform day-to-day duties to help maintain a safe, clean, and organized lab environment. This role is ideal for a hardworking, dependable professional who has strong attention to detail and situational awareness.

This is a part-time position, and you will be expected to work in the lab 20 hours/week. The work schedule is Monday-Friday, 4 hours/day.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits

• Hands-on training

• Working as part of a growing, dedicated lab team

What you’ll do:

• Retrieving packages from receiving and stockroom

• Ant trash processing (freezing on Fridays, autoclaving and labeling on Mondays)

• Nest casting and washing

• Autoclaving material (water for the ants, etc.)

• Refilling lab bottles

• Cleaning the floor of the USDA rooms and microscope rooms

• Other duties as assigned

What you bring:

• A high school diploma or equivalent technical training is required.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills, time management skills, and attention to detail.

• Ability to work well with a diverse group of people at various levels.

• Positive demeanor and proactive approach to work tasks.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$17.25 (minimum) - $20.10 (midpoint) - $26.15 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Hourly

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer