Molecular Paleontology Undergraduate Research Assistant

Salary/Position Classification

• $18.00 hourly Non-Exempt (Eligible for overtime)
• 10 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): No

Purpose of Position

This is a part-time non-benefited position. Only UND students are eligible to be hired in this position.

Dr. Paul Ullmann in the Harold Hamm School of Geology and Geological Engineering is seeking an
undergraduate research assistant to assist with a project exploring the decay of the bone structural protein
collagen as part of his funded CAREER award from the National Science Foundation. The projects overall goal
is to determine which parts of the collagen protein molecule break down in what order what rate they decay
where they degrade in bone tissue first and to explain observed patterns in these datasets.

Duties & Responsibilities

• The Molecular Paleontology Undergraduate Research Assistant will help Dr. Ullmann and his doctoral student break down fragments of modern naturally weathered deer antler bone in acid then help them perform immunofluorescence (a molecular biology assay) to map the distribution of the protein collagen through the bone tissue of each degraded sample.
• The Research Assistant will also help image and interpret the final results.

Minimum Requirements

• Familiarity with molecular biology analyses in the study of proteins DNA or other biologic molecules would
  be considered advantageous. Otherwise no prior training is required all methodological training will be
  provided by Dr. Ullmann and his doctoral student after hiring.
• Applicants should be undergraduates enrolled in-person in either Molecular & Integrative Biology Biology
  Geology or Fisheries & Wildlife Biology as a portion of their degree either as a major or minor.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law all persons hired will be required to verify identityand eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

To Apply

For full consideration applications must be received by the closing date and include the following materials:

• Cover Letter including a maximum of 500 words explaining any relevant prior experience (such as courses
  taken lab experience relevant personal experiences)
• How participating in this project could help the applicant advance toward their graduation and/or future career goals.

Please include in the application if you are currently or have in the past 12 months been employed with the University of North Dakota the North Dakota University System or any other North Dakota State agency. If so include which agency/department as well as how many hours you work a week.

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