Research Assistant

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Supports the execution of certain aspects of a research project (after the research design is established), with proper training and continued oversight.

Department Overview:

The McDougal Research Group is an interdisciplinary research team focused on food chemistry, dairy science, natural products chemistry, and toxicology studies, where we use analytical instrumentation to extract, separate, quantitate, qualitate, and assess the structure and bioactivity of analytes from plant, food, and dairy sources. The McDougal Lab group includes undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral researchers, full-time technicians, and a program director. We strive to create an environment that is student-centered around research, and a culture that promotes team spirit and respect for all. In 2021 the Food and Dairy Innovation Center was established where we envision a center that uses a transdisciplinary science, engineering, and a technology systems approach to drive innovation for the food industry. Finally, we have created a research and innovation consortium, Dairy NutrSols, that provides sustainable process solutions for the production of nutrient-dense, shelf-stable, healthy products to combat food and nutrition insecurity.

The McDougal Research Group is a part of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The Department vision is to “Promote student success through excellence in chemistry,” the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry works to create an environment that is student-centered around research, curriculum, and culture. Our research targets a wide variety of 21st-century problems with innovative approaches. To learn about our department and faculty, visit https://www.boisestate.edu/chemistry/.

Level Scope:

Entry-level professional with limited or no prior experience to contribute on a project or work team. Incumbent learns to use professional concepts to resolve problems of limited scope and complexity under close supervision while achieving day-to-day objectives. Works on developmental assignments that are initially routine in nature, requiring limited judgment and decision making. This level is typically focused on self-development. Requires basic, discipline-relevant theoretical knowledge obtained through specific education and training.

Essential Functions:

• Mentor students with laboratory work and communicate regularly with PI
• Assist with laboratory collection of samples and maintain, repair, and conduct student training on instrumentation and instrument usage
• Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports, publication preparation, tracking of orders, inventory, waste disposal, project management
• Conducting research of laboratory procedures and protocols
• Support the execution of certain aspects of research projects with oversight
• Use scientific principles and research protocols, including analysis and collection of samples in laboratory setting
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of scientific principles and research protocols, including analysis and collection of samples
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to perform field or laboratory work, as applicable to the position
• Ability to learn new skills with an appropriate amount of training
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s Degree with at least two years of relevant professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-2 years working in food and dairy research.
• Previous experience working in a higher education research laboratory.
• Analytical laboratory techniques and instrumentation (HPLC, GC-MS, HPLC-MS, IR, PEF, etc.) usage, training, or maintenance.
• Experience writing manuscripts for scientific journal publications.
• Research project management including working with collaborators and outside contracts.
  
  

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is $47,320.00 annually. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package , including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 9.27% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• 11.69% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!
  
  

Required Application Materials:

• Cover Letter
• Resume or CV
• Names of 3 professional References