Student Laboratory Assistant – Macroinvertebrate Sorting

FLSA Status:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)

SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE

At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It’s this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.

From this place of humility and courage, we’ve built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.

Inspired by the soul of the West—the spirit that our region embodies—we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.

Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love -  Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others
Dignity -  Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill
Courage -  Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities
Humility -  Suspending one’s ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others
Resiliency -  Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity
Curiosity -  Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown
Power -  The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

• Sample Processing: Separate preserved aquatic macroinvertebrates from debris, sediment, and organic matter.

• Identification: Group organisms into broad taxonomic categories (e.g., Orders such as Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera). Some groups will be identified to the Family-level.

• Individual Measurements: Take photos of groups of individuals, measure their lengths using computer software, and maintain computer file structure.

• Data Management: Log sample data accurately, maintain digital tracking databases, and perform quality assurance and quality control.

• Lab Maintenance: Clean, organize, and maintain laboratory equipment, microscopes, and chemical preservation fluids (ethanol).

Secondary Responsibilities

• Data Analysis (optional and time-dependent): Motivated students may have opportunities to work with the data including visualization, analysis, interpretation and write-up.

• Presentation (optional and time-dependent): Motivated students may have opportunities to present the data at student showcase or other local venues.

Qualifications & Skills

• Must be a currently enrolled student.

• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to perform repetitive tasks with high accuracy.

• Comfortable working with dissecting microscopes and handling fragile biological specimens for extended periods.

• Basic familiarity with aquatic invertebrate identification is preferred (training will be provided if needed).

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and areas of accountability.

HOW TO APPLY:  Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:

- Cover letter (Optional)
- Resume