Research Assistant – 

Job Number:

250648 

Organization

: School of Biological Sciences

Job Location

: Oklahoma-Norman-Norman Campus

Schedule

: Full-time

Work Schedule: M – F 8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Some weekends required

Work Type: Onsite

Salary Range: Targeted salary is $17.31/hr, based on experience

Benefits Provided: Yes 

Required Attachments: Resume, Cover Letter 

Job Description

The School of Biological Sciences is looking for a Research Assistant to be based in Dr. Alexandra Bentz’s group at the University of Oklahoma. The position will involve work on hormones and behavior in local songbirds, including avian husbandry, fieldwork, behavioral annotations, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and ELISAs. The Research Assistant will also manage data, oversee laboratory organization, and collaborate with the PI and group members to contribute to publications and grants. More information about the research group is provided at https://abentz.wixsite.com/bentzlab.

Essential Duties:

• Bird capture and avian husbandry, including rearing chicks
• Annotating behavioral data
• Supervising students doing summer fieldwork
• Maintaining laboratory data and protocols
• Maintaining laboratory and field gear inventory
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

Required Education:

• High School Diploma / (GED) AND
• 12 – 24 months experience in a laboratory, science, or research

Skills:

• Experience with bird capture and handling
• Experience with avian husbandry and rearing chicks
• Experience with molecular biology techniques
• Strong organizational and communication skills

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Finger and fine motor skills required
• May be required to carry objects up to 25 lbs
• Must be able to sit or stand at the laboratory bench for repetitive pipetting
• Must be able to access and work in local field study sites

Department Preferences:

• Bachelors or Masters degree
• Experience with bird capture and handling
• Experience with avian husbandry and chick rearing
• Experience working in a molecular biology laboratory
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction and ELISA
• Experience with organizing and maintaining data records

Supervision: The Research Assistant will help supervise undergraduate students.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

Hiring contingent upon a Background Check?: Yes

Special Indications: None 

Job Posting

: Mar 20, 2025

Read Full Description