Research Fellow

Sonoma State University’s beautiful 274-acre campus is located in Sonoma County wine country, an hour north of San Francisco. The campus offers the ideal setting for teaching and learning and access to a community of rich cultural, environmental, and recreational opportunities. Founded in 1960, SSU is one of the 22 campuses of the California State University System. As members of the largest public higher education system in the nation, we provide accessible, high-quality education.

The Department of Biology offers B.A., B.S. and M.S. degrees and has 11 tenured or tenure-track faculty members who conduct research in a wide range of disciplines, including cell biology, ecology, molecular biology, genetics, marine biology, molecular immunology and physiology. The Department houses a core DNA and genomics facility, cell culture facilities, and microscopy instrumentation. In addition, the Department maintains a radiation lab, three greenhouses and a recirculating seawater system.  Faculty members also collaborate with scientists at other universities as well as local and state agencies to achieve their teaching and research goals. We have a strong record of graduating underrepresented and underserved students. The Department offers a rigorous curriculum with high-quality opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to participate in research.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to see the department’s web page at: tps://biology.sonoma.edu/welcome-hua-lab 

This is a laboratory-based position in a group focused on basic biomedical science research investigating fundamental questions in cellular biology. The research fellow will support the research of the laboratory by performing data preparation and analysis aimed at understanding mechanisms of chromosome dynamics to understand human disease processes. S/he will assist in preparation of scientific manuscripts, present lab findings at conference proceedings, and participate in laboratory meetings/discussions.

The Research fellow will support the research of the laboratory by conducting experiments using routine molecular biology and biochemistry procedures. The individual will also aid the PI in mentoring of MS graduate and undergraduate students. Occasional cataloging of chromosome paint probe, plasmid, cell, and antibody stock inventory may be needed.

This is a temporary, part-time position requiring 13 hours per week from May 6, 2026, through August 5, 2026.

To be recommended for appointment, the candidate must have:

•           Ph.D. in Biology or related field

•           Post-doctoral experience with expertise in biology 

•           Evidence of potential to conduct independent research and mentor research students in   area of expertise

Preferred Qualifications:

•           Proven track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals

•           Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students in research settings

• Salary commensurate with degree level and experience.
• Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $2,930 - $16,773 per a full-time month. Actual Salary is dependent upon educational preparation, and hours worked.
• The full-time (15 units per semester) monthly base salary range indicated above is prorated to the number of hours worked, and are paid monthly.
• Relocation expenses will not be provided, and expenses incurred to attend an interview for temporary faculty positions cannot be reimbursed by the University.

• Cover letter indicating fit for the position and research interests
• Curriculum vitae
• Unofficial transcripts (Official transcripts may be required of the selected candidate)
• Contact Information for 3 References

To apply for this position, go to jobs.sonoma.edu and click on the Staff & Faculty Career Opportunities link. Find and select the faculty position you are applying for to view the description and select Apply Now. If you have not previously applied, you will be prompted to create an account. You can use this account to apply to multiple positions. Once you have submitted the application, a confirmation email will be automatically sent to you. Please do not send materials to facultysearch@sonoma.edu. If you encounter difficulties during the application process, please email facultysearch@sonoma.edu

Questions concerning the application process may be directed to: facultysearch@sonoma.edu

Questions concerning this position may be directed to: Lisa Hua, PhD at hual@sonoma.edu

Please refer to the requisition job number on all correspondence and inquiries regarding this position.

The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccomodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Sonoma State University is a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution, as such we are committed to achieving the goals of equal opportunity and we endeavor to employ faculty and staff reflecting the linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the region and state.  

Guided by our core values as a university: diversity, sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability, Sonoma State University (SSU) offers an education that fosters intellectual, social, and personal growth. SSU is a public liberal arts and sciences university. As the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges in the state of California, we are committed to preparing students for a life of active citizenship and public service. We have a vibrant campus life characterized by a lively co-curriculum that fosters broad-based intellectual and artistic opportunities in which the campus as a whole is actively engaged.

Sonoma State University is committed to creating a community in which bias and intolerance have no place.  It is our expectation that all students, faculty, and staff work together to honor this commitment and hold each other accountable to create an open and inclusive environment.

We are committed to facilitating spaces in which all can grow by building on our students’ assets as they explore new knowledge. These efforts include fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, experimentation, empathy, and communication. The successful candidate will be one who can collaborate with faculty, staff, administration, and students to achieve these goals. We are especially interested in candidates committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All offers of employment are contingent upon presentation of documents demonstrating the appointee’s identity and eligibility to work, in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Sonoma State University does not facilitate the process of applying for an H1B Visa for temporary positions.

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.

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