Working Title

Research Assistant

SF State University

San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.  Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.

Applicants may visit titleix.sfsu.edu for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised. Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing vpsaem@sfsu.edu.

San Francisco State is a 100% Smoke/Vapor-Free Campus.  Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco/plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.

The person holding this position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect  Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code.  The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Department

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs/Estuary & Ocean Science Center 

Appointment Type

Temporary: Position will end on or before January 30, 2026. Permanent status cannot be earned in this grant funded position. This Temporary appointment can be concluded prior to the stated temporary appointment end date, normally with a two-week notice period. Continuation of this temporary appointment is contingent upon grant funding.

Time Base

Part-Time (0.80 FTE)

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday; from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Please refer to the Work Schedule

Anticipated Hiring Range

$5870.00 at 1.0 FTE/ $4696.00 at 0.80 FTE per month

$70,440.00 at 1.0 FTE/ $56,352.00 at 0.80 FTE annually

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Principal Investigator, the primary responsibilities of the Research Technician include but are not limited to assisting with metagenetic analysis of aquatic samples from a variety of marine and estuarine research projects. Associated duties will include standard molecular analysis, such as DNA extraction and PCR, preparation of samples for high-throughput DNA sequencing, and/or quantitative PCR. The position will require effective communication skills, working directly with students training and assisting with projects, and communicating with the PI, assistance with general lab maintenance tasks, assist with supply ordering and inventory, assist with occasional field work, training student assistants, and assist with other laboratory tasks as needed.

Position Information

Research, Data Collection, and Reporting

• Perform a variety of DNA extraction procedures on aquatic water, plankton, fish diet, or tissue samples 
• Perform PCR and gel electrophoresis to amplify organism DNA
• Prepare samples for a range of downstream analyses including for high-throughput DNA sequencing, sanger sequencing, or quantitative PCR
• Interface with PI to update on progress, plans, or challenges with sample analyses 
• Assist with sample collection in the field from a small boat or shore as needed

Training

• Train graduate and/or undergraduate students on standard molecular laboratory protocols
• Assist graduate students with troubleshooting results
• Participate in SFSU-required safety trainings (annually or as needed)

Administrative and Reporting

• Participate in staff communications, and project meetings
• Assist with lab and data maintenance tasks, such as data entry, maintaining metadata spreadsheets, other lab administrative duties, supply inventories, supply ordering

Other duties as assigned

At All Times

• Demonstrate behaviors that are in line with the User Friendly Principles (P530C) and Principles of Conduct for a Multi-Cultural University (P30D)
• Demonstrate safe work practices for oneself, others and the office environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledges and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of research techniques, including the planning of studies and investigations, determining variables, developing bibliographical and other sources of data, and preparation of research reports; general knowledge of statistical principles and procedures, including methods of collecting statistical data, simple correlation methods, time series analyses, analysis of frequency series, sampling techniques, and construction of index numbers; general knowledge of sources of information on molecular biological techniques and marine and estuarine biology of California. Ability to prepare field gear; ability to gather, compile, and analyze research data, and to present data in tabular, graphic, and pictorial form, ability to prepare and work clear and comprehensive reports; capacity for independent and creative thinking and writing on research and statistical problems; ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of a small team.

Experience:

At least two years of progressively responsible experience in marine or estuarine biological research, molecular biological research, including the collection, compilation, and analysis of biological samples and related data.

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university. Additional experience which has demonstrated that the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledges and abilities delineated above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledges and Abilities: 

• Thorough knowledge of and hands on experience employing a range of molecular biological techniques including: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, fluorometric DNA/RNA quantification. 
• Must be skilled with a pipette, and have track record of following safe laboratory and chemical handling practices.
• Must also be able to perform occasional microscopy to carefully sort and prepare preserved or live aquatic micro-invertebrates for subsequent analyses.
• Ability to effectively and regularly communicate with others in the lab group. 
• Must have experience training others to perform technical tasks of a similar kind.
• Experience with performing general laboratory maintenance tasks, such as inventorying and restocking supplies, maintaining organized lab and freezer spaces, updating chemical inventories. 
• Experience with summarizing methods employed in the analysis of samples and of the basic results obtained.
• Capacity for independent and creative thinking to troubleshoot if issues arise with the planned analysis.

Experience:

• More than two years of progressively responsible experience working in a molecular biology laboratory employing the above-noted techniques.
• Graduate study in the environmental sciences, limnology, oceanography, marine biology, microbiology, ecology, or molecular biology may be substituted for the required minimum experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience with processing diverse sample types from aquatic environments (e.g. bacteria, phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish); preparing samples for real-time quantitative PCR; performing primer design and assay testing; qPCR or PCR assay optimization; DNA barcoding of invertebrates; high-throughput DNA sequencing 
• Core Competencies – embody the following competencies:
• Bias toward collaboration and teamwork.
• Effective oral, written and nonverbal communication skills. 
• Customer/Client Focus with an emphasis in problem solving and resolution.
• Personal effectiveness and credibility as demonstrated by interpersonal and professional confidence. 
• Diversity and inclusion.

Environmental/Physical/Special

This work is in person at an EOS Center laboratory in Tiburon, CA and requires access to regular transportation to/from the remote laboratory location. Must be able to carefully handle small volumes of fluid using handheld pipettes and have good vision. Must be willing to work safely with sometimes hazardous chemicals. Must be able to focus well on the task at hand and follow written protocols precisely. Must be able to move up to 30 lbs for brief periods.

Pre-Employment Requirements

This position requires the successful completion of a background check.

Eligibility to Work

Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.

Benefits

Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions.  SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.

CSUEU Position (For CSUEU Positions Only)

Eligible and qualified on-campus applicants, currently in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9 are given hiring preference.

Additional Information

SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS).

Thank you for your interest in employment with California State University (CSU).  CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California.  Because of this, CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California with very limited exception.  While this position may be eligible for occasional telework, all work is expected to be performed in the state of California, and this position is assigned to on-campus operations.

CSU strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so.  Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process are encouraged to comply with this requirement. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to hrwww@sfsu.edu.

The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.

Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.