Research Assistant III, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation

Salary: $20.54 Hourly
Location : Missoula Mountain Campus
Job Type: Hourly Staff Full-time
Job Number: 202400706
Department: College of Forestry & Conservation, University of Montana
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position


Description
*This position is not represented by a bargaining unit (union). *
The W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation invites applications for a Research Assistant III to work with biologists at state and federal agencies, tribes, universities, and/or non-governmental groups across the United States on projects that use environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess the presence and distribution of aquatic species. The person in this position will be responsible for processing eDNA samples for projects related to fish and/or wildlife conservation.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete laboratory preparations and analyses.
• Independently extract eDNA from filters and perform quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis.
• Independently QAQC eDNA datasets and analyses of data.
• Examine and evaluate eDNA procedures, protocols, and equipment to address unusual results and amend experiments as needed.
• Sterilizing laboratory equipment and supplies to maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Washing and sterilizing glassware, utensils, and other lab tools to ensure accurate and contamination-free experiments.
• Stay up to date on peer reviewed publication related to eDNA assays so as to better inform techniques and interpretation of results.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma and two (2) years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in laboratory settings.
• Ability to work both independently and with a collaborative team.
• Effective communication skills.
• Computer skills for field-based data collection and desktops.
• Demonstrated ability to complete the necessary lab processes.
• Understanding of laboratory preparation procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow protocols and maintain a clean and sterile working environment.
• Ability work with large datasets.
• Knowledge of basic statistics.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. in Biology, Wildlife Biology, or related fields, coursework involving molecular biology and/or genetics.
• Six (6) or more months working in laboratory setting.
• Experience working with genetic data.

Additional Information
Compensation Title: Research Assistant III

Union: None

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year

Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum


Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.
A complete application includes:

1. Letter of Interest - addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as "Dear Search Committee" or "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume - listing education and describing work experience
3. Three (3) Professional References - names and contact information

Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of "mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM's non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.


Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.
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