Research Assistant

Company: San José State University Research Foundation
Location: San Jose
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

OUR STATEMENT The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value. GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION This Research Assistant position involves supporting neuroscience research in the VanHoven Lab at SJSU by performing experiments with C. elegans , including genetic, microscopy, behavioral, and molecular biology work. The role also includes ensuring lab safety compliance by maintaining chemical inventories, following required protocols, and helping train new students. Additionally, the assistant manages lab supplies and provides support to student researchers as needed. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Conducting neuroscience experiments using C. elegans , including genetic crosses, microscopy, behavioral assays, and molecular biology experiments. Ensuring safety compliance, including maintaining an updated chemical inventory in the RSS system, assisting with training new students, and staying in compliance with biological use authorizations (BUAs) and chemical standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other safety requirements. Responsible for ordering supplies and equipment as necessary, and assisting student researchers as needed. Responsible for promoting a respectful laboratory environment with equitable opportunities for all students. INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS Reports to Dr. Miri VanHoven. Frequently interacts with research students in the VanHoven Laboratory. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Does not have formal supervisory duties but assists in training and supporting research students. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Biology or Chemistry required. Master’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology or Biochemistry preferred. Minimum of two years of research experience in a biology or chemistry laboratory. Demonstrated commitment to diversity and fostering an inclusive working and learning environment. Additional Requirements Must have at least two years of experience conducting neuroscience experiments using C. elegans , including genetic crosses, microscopy, behavioral assays, and molecular biology experiments. Must have at least one year of experience with safety compliance, including maintaining an updated chemical inventory in the RSS system, assisting with training new students, and staying in compliance with biological use authorizations (BUAs) and chemical standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other safety requirements. Must be able to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, NIH ImageJ Software. Desired Accomplishments A research publication in the area of biology or chemistry. Physical Demands Should be able to perform essential laboratory tasks, such as microscopy, handling microorganisms, pipetting, preparing solutions, and conducting molecular biology procedures with reasonable consistency throughout the workday, with or without appropriate accommodations. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the SJSURF. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current SJSURF employees who apply for the position. NOTE: This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Compensation Range: $30 per hour Hourly, Benefited BENEFITS The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes: Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage). Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents. Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities. 14 paid federal & state holidays. Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately. Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations. Employee discounts. Paid training and professional-development conferences. Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information. ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San José State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization’s funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities. San José State University Research Foundation is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment or services are not subjected to discrimination. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. This policy is in accordance with federal, state and local laws and reaffirms the Research Foundation’s continuing commitment to both the spirit and intent of equal employment opportunity laws and policies. San José State University Research Foundation is an EOE M/F/Vet/Disability. Learn more about our organizations EEO and AAP policy by visiting our website HERE . Data metrics on the AAP is available for review upon request. Please also visit OFCCP for additional resources: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters . If you have any questions or need assistance or an accommodation in completing this application, please contact Research Foundation HR at (408) 924-5582. We participate in E-verify. Please click here for more information

Keywords: San José State University Research Foundation, San Bruno , Research Assistant, Science, Research & Development , San Jose, California