Lab Associate Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $20.54 Hourly
Location : Missoula Mountain Campus
Job Type: Hourly Staff Full-time
Job Number: 202400700
Department: UM VP Research & Creative Scholarship
Division: Office of Research & Creative Scholarship, UM
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 6/15/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Description
The position entails technical work in the laboratory of Dr. Sarah Certel to maintain Drosophilastocks, prepare and maintain germ free flies, perform advanced dissection and tissue-labeling experiments, confocal imaging and analysis, and participate in behavioral assays. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: carrying out established experimental protocols; performing immunohistochemical techniques such as brain and gut dissections, confocal imaging; qRT-PCR (RNA extraction, cDNA generation), maintaining routine laboratory upkeep; ensuring that equipment related to experiments are in proper functioning order; working with the PI and other lab personnel; maintaining and troubleshooting data analysis and storage; person hired for the position may infrequently need to come in to work for 1-2 hours on a weekend day to check on laboratory animals. This position is also responsible for keeping records, maintaining the laboratory by getting C02 tanks as necessary, incubator maintenance, and ordering supplies. The position requires presenting at lab meetings here at the University of Montana, joint zoom meetings with our collaborators at MSU and Brown University, and the potential for traveling nationally to meetings. In addition, the position requires advanced tasks including using acquired data to generate figures and text for publications, researching the literature to identify new procedures and assays for the project, and independent personnel management activities including training and supervising undergraduate and graduate research students in the lab. This position will also train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in the lab on their research projects as needed (training and supervision = 4-5 hours/weekly).
Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory techniques and protocols
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory instruments and equipment
• Effective interpersonal, public relations, and communication skills, including ability to work with a diverse population
• Effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to complete tasks while paying attention to detail
• Demonstrated skill in the operation of personal computers and related word processing, and database software with the ability to learn other software
• Knowledge of supplies, equipment and/or services, Grizmart ordering, and inventory control
• Expertise in confocal microscope imaging
• Expertise in immunohistochemistry and brain dissections
• Demonstrated knowledge of genetic techniques andDrosophilacrosses

Additional Information
Position Number: NEW
Bargaining Unit: FOCUS-MFPE
Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year
Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum
Benefits Include: Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
A complete application includes:

• Letter of Interest- addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as "Dear Search Committee" or "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable.
• Detailed Resume- listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) Professional References- names and contact information

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM's non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.
Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.
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