Research Assistant - Liepkalns Lab

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  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 meetings, 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 two 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 (e.g., how vaccines work). Freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to apply! If you enjoy writing or in psychology research, please apply!

Liepkalns lab: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

PRIME group: /

• 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.

Employee will have access to the Liepkalns shared 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.

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.

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

• 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

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…