Applications are invited for a full-time (35 hours per week), 12-month Post-baccalaureate Research Assistant in the Chemistry Department in the laboratory of Lia Ball (https://academics.skidmore.edu/blogs/computationalbiophysicslab/alumni/).  This position is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.  The anticipated start date is January 2024, with an initial appointment for one year and the opportunity of renewal for an additional year.

The Post-baccalaureate Research Assistant’s primary responsibility will be to organize the python code used in the research lab and create systems so that the code base can be used more efficiently on multiple projects. The Research Assistant will be trained on how python code is used in the lab to analyze molecular dynamics simulations of protein interactions and will then be responsible for curating existing code using git versioning and GitHub, as well as writing new code to set up workflows that allow undergraduate students in the lab to run and analyze simulations in a consistent and streamlined way. The Research Assistant will also teach the code organization system to undergraduate research students in the lab, document their work, and create tutorials. In order to help the Research Assistant develop the skills needed for this position, they will have access to training in software best practices through the MolSSI (Molecular Science Software Institute).

Additionally, the Research Assistant will be asked to manage organizational aspects of the undergraduate research lab, such as scheduling and coordinating between undergraduate research students, and troubleshooting problems that undergraduate researchers encounter. The Research Assistant will also be responsible for teaching and mentoring a diverse group of undergraduate research students. The Research Assistant will also prepare figures for scientific publications, have the opportunity to contribute to writing scientific manuscripts, and present at scientific conferences. This position will serve as excellent preparation for an advanced career in computational science.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science or related field.
• Coursework or research experience in chemistry or physics.
• Experience with Python programming.
• Experience working on a scientific or computing project as part of a team outside of a formal class project, for example in a research lab, internship, or job.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to learn about protein biophysics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with running molecular dynamics simulations.
• Experience with git and version control.
• Biochemistry coursework.
• Computer science/programming coursework.
• Mentoring or teaching experience in programming or science.
• Scientific writing and presentation experience.

Pay: $41,250

Why Work at Skidmore?

• The College’s comprehensive benefits plans include health and dental coverage, life and AD&D insurance, professional development training/opportunities, generous paid time off, and flexible spending accounts
• Employees have free access to athletic facilities
• Employees have opportunities to regularly attend and participate in a diverse array of year-round events, including college courses, fitness classes, concerts, performances, celebrations, talks, lectures, debates, live theater and art exhibitions
• Saratoga Springs is perennially listed as one of the most interesting and vibrant small cities in the United States and is equally renowned as an arts and cultural destination, with plentiful galleries, clubs, museums, shops, coffeehouses and restaurants
• Boston, New York City and Montreal are within a three-hour drive from campus.

To apply for the position, please complete the online application along with a current CV, letter of interest, and list of three references. Screening of applications will begin on December 1, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.

EEO STATEMENT

Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable background check result.

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