Interested in joining the lab?
The Rosvall Lab in the Department of Biology at Indiana University, Bloomington is seeking a Research Associate/Lab manager. Our department is a large, unified department with world-class research spanning all levels of biological organization and diverse experimental systems. Our lab in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior investigates the genomic and physiological bases of behavior. Our research uses conceptual and analytical tools from animal behavior, neuroendocrinology, evolutionary ecology, physiology, and genomics. We spend up to four months of the year doing fieldwork with wild birds, and the rest of the year we process samples and data in the lab. The overarching goal for this position is to make timely progress on our NSF grant, which explores how cavity-nestling birds use behavior to mitigate negative effects of heat. We are excited about science and looking for another positive, curious person to join our team. All members of our team contribute to the projects of other team members – this may include assistance with a research protocol, feedback on seminars, edits on manuscripts, and so on. My philosophy is that a collaborative and supportive research environment benefits everyone involved. You play a key supporting role in achieving these goals.
Core job duties include:
- Supervising undergrads as the leader of the field research team
(March to July). Field work is generally local (southern Indiana), though there are also occasional domestic field trips too. - Leading our research compliance, IACUC, lab safety,
permits, and associated documentation. - Management and analysis of longitudinal data.
- Learning, conducting and teaching other lab members our key research protocols. In the lab, this may include: EIA, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, qPCR, and various statistical analyses in R. In the field, this will include both observational and hand-on skills with birds.
- Writing up research (e.g. for our annual reports or for manuscripts) or presenting findings (e.g. at lab meeting).
Other general responsibilities include: testing lab or field equipment, collecting data using established protocols, managing general lab operations, troubleshooting problems in the field and lab, and participating in lab meetings.
Education and Experience Required: Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience in a research setting OR Master’s degree that includes research experience.
Required skills: Demonstrates mastery of time management
Maintains high degree of professionalism
Ability to work effectively as a team
Ability to be organized and detail-oriented
Proficient communication skills, written and oral
Anticipates and solves problems
Highly dependable
High degree of initiative
Flexibility for tasks that vary seasonally and include bouts of intense work
Preferred skills:
Hands on research experience with birds
Experience with field research
Proficiency in working with large datasets
Proficiency in one or more molecular or endocrine lab skills
Working conditions/demands: The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment, in the lab and in remote, rural areas. Access to research sites will require an active driver’s license and seasonal use of a personal vehicle, with gas mileage to be reimbursed. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
Timing and Compensation: Review of applicants will begin December 20 and continue until the position is filled. Ideal start date is Jan 15, 2024. The initial appointment is for 1 year, and reappointment for up to 4 years is contingent upon satisfactory performance. Salary is commensurate with experience, starting at $43,888. Full benefits are included.
To apply, please submit (1) a cover letter describing your research and educational background, your career goals, why you are interested in this position, and the date you are available to start, (2) a CV or resume, and (3) the names and contact info of two references. For questions about the position, contact Kim (krosvall@iu.edu).