Job Description

Position Summary:

This position is to work in the Liepkalns Laboratory that studies how students think and learn in the context of biology. The Liepkalns lab is part of the Program for Research in Immunology and Microbiology Education within the Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology Department at CSU. You will work directly with Dr Liepkalns to develop skills in applying the scientific method by leading or contributing to a research project. A goal of this position is for you to gain research experience and to begin developing independent leadership skills. We will initially have weekly meeting, but this can change as you feel more comfortable with your responsibilities. You will assist a team-member on their project, take the lead in parts of a project, and/or, if applicable, take the lead on your own project (based on experience). Responsibilities and expectations can change as you gain experience in the lab over time. You may be asked to help with administering surveys, running interviews, collecting data, analyzing data, and/or writing of the manuscript based on the stage of the research your assigned project is in. You do not need to have taken immunology or microbiology, however these classes do help and we can talk about how to provide that training if needed.

There are 2 types of projects you may be asked to contribute to:

Project type 1: Collect & analyze data on implemented class activities and prepare a manuscript for publication. You will be working on a team.

Project type 2: Collect & analyze data on how students think and reason through biological problems. If assigned to this project you will be analyzing data such as unpacking and coding survey / interview responses to decipher how students think about certain biological processes (eg., how vaccines work). Freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to apply! If you enjoy writing or in psychology research, please apply!

Liepkalns lab: https://labs.vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/liepkalns/

PRIME group: https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/mip/prime/

Essential Job Duties:

• Draft project manuscript and prepare it for publication.
• Help design survey/interview prompts & administer surveys or interview (data collection).
• Assist in data analysis and prepare data for presentations/publications.
• Meet with PI and lab team regularly and present/discuss ongoing work.
• Collaborate with and/or mentor lab members.
  

Conditions of Employment:

Employee will have access to the Liepkalns shard lab space in the same building as my office and meetings. There are 2 desks that can be used as shared desks. There is a lab computer (Mac) and a shared lab computer (PC) that the employee will have access to. The computers have the applications necessary to carry out their work on their projects.

A lot of the work can be done virtually but I expect them to come to campus every week for the first month at least.

Supervision:

I (Justine Liepkalns) will directly supervise the employee and work. We will work together on data analysis, manuscript preparation, and data presentation. I expect to meet with them at least once a week at first (in-person) and maybe we can meet every other week as the work on the project progresses.

Minimum Qualifications:

• College degree
• Has experience or is interested in gaining experience science writing
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Has background in biology or biology subdiscipline: Majoring or minoring in biology or biology subdiscipline in college is sufficient.
• Has a background in psychology or social sciences.
• Have experience in running studies in social sciences
  

Application Instructions:

To apply, submit a résumé and a cover letter that highlights the most relevant accomplishments from your résumé (limit to 2). The cover letter should address the following writing prompt in a 1-2 short paragraphs (half to 2/3 page in length): (A) This lab research position uses methods from the social sciences (Education Research: interviews, surveys,...) and studies psychology within a biology discipline that typically has bench-type labs. Why is this research of interest to you? (B) Your experience in writing and how you enjoy it and how you hold yourself accountable. (C) Include in your description careers you are considering and how this position is helping you. If you do not know what careers to explore, explain how this position is helping you determine a good career path for you.

Salary Range

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

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Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.