Department of Biology

Work at Hood College 

Graduate Assistant

Hood College, Department of Biology has three Graduate Assistant positions available to begin August 1, 2024.

Under the close supervision of the Biology Department Chair and the Biology Lab Supervisor, the Graduate Assistant will have a strong undergraduate record and an interest in pursuing research in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or environmental biology. Duties will include preparing and teaching laboratories and conducting research within the department.

Before applying, candidates must be accepted into the Hood College Graduate School and will enroll in the Biomedical Science or Environmental Biology M.S. program. Students will receive a stipend, benefits and waiver of graduate course tuition.

Essential Duties include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Instruction
Teach up to six contact hours in the department each academic year.
Plan units and resource materials as assigned, instruct, monitor and evaluate student progress using a variety of teaching strategies.

Laboratory Support
Prepare solutions and other materials for use in laboratories.
Set-up, adjust and operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation as required.
Assist with routine equipment maintenance and repair.
Drive college vehicles for department field trips.

Administrative Support
Assist with annual inventory of supplies, including chemicals, glassware, and plasticware.
Maintain department records.

Qualifications
We seek a candidate who values diversity, equity and inclusion in all that they do. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively with partners across campus in support of Hood College’s mission as a student-centered, liberal arts institution.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
Before applying, candidates must be accepted into the Hood College Graduate School and will enroll in the Biomedical Science or Environmental Biology M.S. program. Successful candidates will have a strong undergraduate record and an interest in pursuing research in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or environmental biology. Duties will include preparing and teaching laboratories and conducting research within the department. Ability to calculate and prepare solutions for laboratory use and familiar with standard laboratory equipment required.

Technology Skills
Proficient in MS Office tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), e-mail and Internet.  Ability to learn new applications quickly including organization-wide information systems and department-specific software applications.

Language Skills
Strong oral and written communication skills.  Ability to effectively provide information and positively respond to questions from both external and internal customers both in person and by phone.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Mathematical Skills
Proficient with statistical and financial concepts.  Must have the ability to apply those concepts to tracking, projections, goal setting and interpreting reports.  Must be able to draw conclusions from reports and make cost effective decisions regarding programs.

Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a number of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.  Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans. Ability to work in theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.

To Apply
We invite qualified candidates to apply on-line via our electronic application which requires submission of a cover letter, curriculum vitae, undergraduate transcripts, and names of three persons to contact for letters of recommendation. Please arrange to have all materials submitted to job_biology@hood.edu. Review of applications will begin May 6, 2024.
f you need assistance with the on-line application process, please email humanresources@hood.edu or call (301) 696-3592.

Hood College is committed to diversity in its faculty and staff and subscribes to a policy of hiring only individuals legally eligible to work in the United States.  EOE/AAP/M/F/Vet/Disability Employer

Hood College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, religion, or age in recruitment, admission and access to, or treatment, or employment in its programs, services, benefits, or activities as required by applicable laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and complies with the law regarding reasonable accommodation for disabled applicants and students. Inquiries about discrimination or reasonable accommodation should be referred to the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator at Alumnae Hall, 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD. 21701 (AD 312), (301) 696-3592.  For complete information on Hood College’s nondiscrimination policy, please visit http://www.hood.edu/non-discrimination/.

Education
Required
Bachelors or better.

Experience
Preferred
Strong undergraduate record and an interest in pursuing research in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or environmental biology. Ability to calculate and prepare solutions for laboratory use and familiar with standard laboratory equipment required.

From investigating genes and cells to studying ecosystems, we emphasize a strong foundation in biology that includes practical classroom, laboratory and field experiences. 

Both programs benefit from Hood’s graduate programs in biomedical science and environmental biology; seniors have opportunities to take advanced elective courses that are generally not offered at small liberal arts colleges.

Graduates have expressed that this provides a real head start for graduate school, medical school and the job market.

Upcoming Events

Spring 2024 Seminar Series 

Unless noted, seminars are held from 1:00-2:00 pm (EST) via Zoom or in-person (HT 131). Open to all Hood undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff. Schedule, zoom link, and seminar recordings can be found on the biology department website. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Daehwan Kim, seminar coordinator (kimd@hood.edu).

https://zoom.us/j/95004695736?pwd=TXVUMGdENEE5d2tmN09YWGQ3eXluQT09 
Meeting ID: 950 0469 5736 
Passcode: 726319