Undergraduate Student Research Assistant

Posting Details

Student Title Classification Information

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Job Number
SE197924

Position Information

Department or Unit Name
Food Sciences

Position Headcount
2

Position Title
Undergraduate Student Research Assistant

Academic Year
Summer 2026

Term or Semester
Summer

Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student?
Undergrad

Anticipated Pay Range
17.50

Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors.

The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

On which Campus will this work be done?
Orange

Approved Supervisor
John Miclavcic

Supervisor Email
miklavcic

Scheduling
Please use dates within Chapman Academic Calendar
(https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).)

Desired Start Date
06/08/2026

Projected End Date
07/31/2026

Average number of hours per week
Up to 40 hours/Summer Only

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

• 20 Hours per week.
• The research assistant will support ongoing experiments by performing routine laboratory techniques such as sample preparation, cell culture maintenance, and basic molecular assays under close supervision.
• The student helps collect, organize, and analyze experimental data, maintaining accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks that follow established scientific and institutional standards.
• They assist in preparing reagents, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring that shared work spaces remain clean, safe, and compliant with regulatory guidelines.
• The role includes participating in weekly lab meetings to discuss results, troubleshoot challenges, and contribute ideas to ongoing research projects.
• Students may also conduct literature searches to help the team stay current with relevant scientific developments.
• As they gain experience, the student may take ownership of a small, well-defined project component, developing independence while still receiving mentorship.
• This position is designed to build foundational research skills, foster scientific curiosity, and prepare the student for future academic or industry research opportunities

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory tasks such as preparing samples, running assays, and maintaining sterile technique.
• Maintain accurate and detailed lab notebooks, documenting procedures, observations, and results.
• Assist with cell culture work, including media preparation, passaging, and monitoring cell health.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and solutions according to established protocols.
• Operate and help maintain laboratory equipment, reporting any issues to senior staff.
• Collect, organize, and perform preliminary analysis of experimental data using software tools as needed.
• Conduct literature searches to support ongoing research and help contextualize experimental findings.
• Participate in lab meetings, presenting updates on assigned tasks or project components.
• Follow all safety protocols and regulatory guidelines, including proper waste disposal and PPE use.
• Collaborate with graduate students, providing support on experiments and learning new techniques.

Required Qualifications

• One year of undergraduate coursework completed in basic or applied sciences.

Desired Qualifications

• Three months of experience working in an academic biomedical research laboratory

Special Instructions to Applicants

Budget Information

Is Federal work-study required?
With or Without FWS