Department: CAS Oregon Inst of Marine Biology
Rank: Research Assistant (Type B)
Annual Basis: 12 Month
Review of Applications Begins
March 30, 2026; open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
A complete application must include:
• A current resume/CV.
• A one (1) page cover letter describing interest in the position, relevant laboratory experience, and why you believe you are a good fit for this role. Letter should also include a paragraph specifically outlining experience with molecular laboratory techniques and/or bioinformatic workflows.
• Three (3) professional references with contact information.
Department Summary
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the intellectual hub of the University of Oregon, serving nearly two-thirds of all students. Home to more than 800 faculty across 50+ departments and programs in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, CAS is a dynamic and interdisciplinary academic community. Our faculty and advisors work closely with students to develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and clear communication skills to address real-world challenges. CAS staff and managers are integral to this work, playing vital roles in supporting academic excellence and advancing the mission of both the College and the University.
Founded in 1924, the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB) is the third oldest marine laboratory on the Pacific Coast. The 130-acre campus, located about two hours from Eugene, maintains housing, teaching, and research facilities for University of Oregon students and faculty as well as visiting investigators and students from other institutions. Resident faculty are members of the Department of Biology and conduct research on the development, ecology, evolution, and physiology of marine organisms worldwide from the intertidal zone to the deep sea.
Position Summary
The Marko Lab at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB) is seeking a full-time laboratory research assistant. This position will support genetic, genomic, and biodiversity research in marine ecosystems, with primary responsibilities focused on generating, organizing, and analyzing DNA sequence data using high-throughput methods. Research projects in the lab are diverse, spanning population genomics of individual species as well as environmental DNA analyses of entire biological communities. The laboratory research assistant will also train and mentor students in laboratory techniques, data handling, and analytical workflows to ensure data quality and reproducibility and maintain laboratory infrastructure and equipment to support ongoing molecular and computational work.
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field
• Experience (beyond course work) conducting molecular biology laboratory methods, such as DNA extraction and PCR
• Experience (beyond course work) applying population biology, statistical, OR bioinformatic methods to biological data
Professional Competencies
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Sound judgment and ability to independently follow through on tasks and projects
• Proficiency with common computer software, including Microsoft Office (Excel and Word)
• Flexibility to learn new skills quickly, troubleshoot protocols and equipment, and adapt to changing priorities
• Capacity to reliably train others in an analytical field
Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in biology or related field
• Proficiency in multi-step, end-to-end molecular workflows, including high-throughput sequencing and downstream genome-scale data analysis
• Advanced understanding of evolutionary, ecological, or molecular processes as applied to population genetics or environmental DNA studies
• Proficiency in statistical analysis of population genetic data in programming language such as R
• Experience independently planning and executing marine field sampling for genetic or environmental DNA studies
• Experience with laboratory automation, high-throughput sample processing, or workflow optimization
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
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