Undergraduate Research Investigators

We are seeking undergraduate students (4 positions) position to join our research team (Dr Alok Arun and Tr. Tricia Van Laar) working at the intersection of plant, microbial and algal biotechnology with a strong focus on advancing the circular bioeconomy. Students will gain hands-on experience with molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, and the valorization of plant and algal biomaterials.

These projects provide a unique opportunity to develop cutting-edge technical skills while contributing to sustainable biotechnological solutions. Work will be conducted in close collaboration with local industry partners, offering
valuable exposure to real-world applications and pathways to workforce development.

Occasional travel to partner facilities or field sites may be required. A typical week will involve approximately 5–20 hours of work. All necessary training will be provided, so no prior experience is required; however, you must be
enthusiastic about learning and expanding your skill set. Students will be required to present their research findings at a regional or national scientific conference.

Wage/Salary: $18.00/HR

Hours per Week: 5-20

Location: Turlock Campus

# of Openings: 4

Expected Start Date: Sept 1, 2026

Expected End Date: Oct 31, 2026

Point of Contact Person: Dr. Alok Arun, aarun1@csustan.edu
Dr. Tricia Van Laar, tvanlaar@csustan.edu

• Undergraduate students must be registered/enrolled in a minimum of six (6) Fall/Spring units.
• Post-baccalaureate students in a graduate program must be registered in a minimum of four (4) Fall/Spring units.

Students should have a strong background and interest in biology. Applicants must also demonstrate solid performance in introductory and mid-level science courses.

A complete application must include a resume, available work schedule and class schedule indicating required enrollment as per the Student Employment Policies (See https://www.csustan.edu/fa/unit-11-academic-student-employee-hiringinformation)

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact:

Dr. Alok Arun
Biological Sciences
California State University, Stanislaus
One University Circle
Turlock, CA 95382
aarun1@csustan.edu

To apply for this position, please click the "Apply Now" button on this page.

California State University, Stanislaus serves the San Joaquin Valley and is a critical educational resource for a six-county region of approximately 1.5 million people. The University is fully committed to creating a culture of diversity and inclusion – one in which every person in the University community feels safe to express their views without fear of reprisal. Widely recognized for its quality academic programs, the University has 10 nationally accredited programs and 662 faculty members. 94 percent of full-time faculty holds doctorates or terminal degrees in their fields. The University offers 43 undergraduate majors, 16 master's programs, 7 post-graduate credentials, a doctorate in education and serves more than 10,000 students. New instructional facilities have been built for the unique pedagogy of professional programs, laboratory sciences and performing arts.

Stanislaus State continues to receive national recognition with its ranking as one of the best 384 colleges in the nation by The Princeton Review. The University was one of 12 public universities in the nation to be recognized by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for demonstrating exceptional performance in retention and graduation rates. In addition, U.S. News and World Report ranks Stanislaus State in its top 10 among public universities in the West, while Washington Monthly honored Stanislaus State as the West’s No. 1 university for the money. Stanislaus State also is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education.

The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. You can learn more about federal equal employment opportunity protections by accessing the Department of Labor’s notices: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf and http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/Supplement_English.pdf.

Individuals with disabling conditions who require accommodation during the recruitment process may contact the ADA Coordinator at (209) 667-3159.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. The CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. The CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California.

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, crime report statistics are available at: http://www.csustan.edu/UPD/pages/CampusCrimeStatistics/index.html

The university requires a criminal and/or child abuse background check to be completed for many of its new employees, current employees seeking promotional or transfer opportunities, and current employees assigned new duties. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. Failure to consent to any background check will disqualify an applicant from further consideration. Additionally, an applicant who fails to provide the necessary information or who provides false or misleading information may also be disqualified from further consideration. Later discovery of false or misleading information related to the background check may result in the offer of employment being withdrawn or subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

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