Temporary Postbaccalaureate Researcher - Chemistry/Biochemistry

Job Type: Full time

Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Statement                          &n bsp;       

In addition to its commitment to a harassment-free educational and working environment, the College is an equal employment opportunity employer. The College is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable state and federal laws on the matter. The College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition or medical leave, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. The College also prohibits the harassment of any employee on any of these bases.

Location:

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Temporary Postbaccalaureate Researcher - Chemistry/Biochemistry

Job Details and Requirement:

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Postbaccalaureate Researcher is responsible for leading an independent project to advance an ongoing research program developing novel bioluminescent enzymes for imaging preclinical models of cancer. The successful candidate will spearhead protein engineering workflows while serving as a mentor within a vibrant, undergraduate-only laboratory environment. Lab work for this project will include, but is not limited to, molecular cloning, bacterial cell culture, biochemistry assays, pipetting, autoclaving, coding, organic synthesis, NMR and IR spectroscopy, and computational data analysis.

This engagement is scheduled for one-year in duration for a post-baccalaureate term starting June 2026. This position is ideal for a recent college graduate seeking a "bridge year" to grow as a researcher and leader before applying to PhD, MD, or MD/PhD programs.

Applications will be reviewed starting on March 19, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reporting to the Assistant Professor of Integrated Sciences: Chemistry, Colin Rathbun, the Postbaccalaureate Researcher works independently to perform the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• Lead an independent laboratory research project focused on the evolution and characterization of bioluminescent enzymes for imaging.

• Execute protein engineering workflows, including molecular design, library construction, and mutant testing.

• Synthesize polymer coatings for peptide-labeled quantum dots.

• Lead or contribute significantly to manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and assist with grant reporting.

• Present research findings at a major national scientific conference (funding provided).

• Mentor and train undergraduate research assistants, facilitating a collaborative lab culture and providing guidance on experimental troubleshooting.

• Assist in lab management tasks such as inventory management, organizing group meetings, receiving and storing packages, etc.

• Mentor undergraduate research assistants representing a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds, political opinions, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, and religions.

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment. 

The successful candidate will also be able to perform the following essential functions:

• Take and follow directions.

• Work cooperatively with others.

• Receive and respond appropriately to constructive criticism.

• Display a positive attitude.

• Balance multiple tasks and priorities.

• Performs other essential duties and tasks specific to the position.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS & SKILLS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology, or a related field, or any combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability.

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 1-3 years of lab experience with experience working on an independent project is required. This can include, but is not limited to undergraduate research experience. Project leadership. Experience mentoring or tutoring undergraduate students is preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Individual must possess knowledge, skills, and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge skills and abilities.

• Technical Proficiency: EITHER demonstrated experience in PCR, molecular cloning, bacterial cell culture, and protein analysis (SDS-PAGE/gel electrophoresis) OR experience in organic chemistry lab skills including basic chemical synthesis and spectroscopy (NMR, IR, MS).

• Technical Growth: A strong desire and capacity to learn advanced techniques including High-Throughput Screening (HTS), synthetic biology techniques and the chemical tagging of enzymes with quantum dots.

• Experimental Design: Understanding of experimental design, especially the rigorous use of controls.

• Data & Analysis: Possesses ability to use (or interest in learning to use) computational data analysis tools such as Python.

• Scientific Communication: Demonstrated ability to write scientifically (summarizing literature and proposing experiments) and the capacity to lead the drafting of manuscripts.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous documentation of lab processes in a laboratory notebook and the ability to execute complex protocols without error.

• Leadership: Works well in a collaborative environment and effectively interacts with/mentors undergraduate students.

• Safety: Following departmental safety training, performs work according to established safety protocols.

OTHER:

REQUIRED HOURS: The regular hours for this temporary, full-time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Holiday, weekend and evening work hours will/may be required. Regular hours may vary due to needs of the College or division.

CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS: This is a full time, temporary, non-exempt, ACA benefits-eligible position.

Supervisor - AB1825:                      & nbsp;                         No

Mandatory Reporter - CA Penal Code:                   No

Responsible Employee - Title IX:                        ;      No

Campus Security Authority - The Clery Act:          No

IPEDS Category Job Code: 8868 - College - Academic Professional Employees & Clerical          

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment include standing, reaching, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. May occasionally lift/push/pull items up to 20 lbs.                   

PAY RANGE: The anticipated pay range is $20 - $22 per hour.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Mentor and train undergraduate research assistants to help facilitate lab culture.

REPORTS TO: Assistant Professor of Integrated Sciences: Chemistry

GROOMING AND APPEARANCE: Employees are expected to wear attire that is appropriate to the office or department in which they work.

BACKGROUND CHECK: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a full consumer background check. Certain positions will require the successful completion of a post-offer physical agility test. Employment is contingent on the satisfactory results of the aforementioned, in addition to compliance with the requirements cited in this job description.

ADA/OSHA: This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of this position. It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Duties and responsibilities can change and develop over time; accordingly the College reviews job descriptions on a periodic basis and may make changes of business necessity.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT: Employment with the College is "at-will" meaning that the terms of employment may be changed with or without notice, with or without cause, including, but not limited to termination, demotion, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, duties, and location of work. There is no agreement express or implied between the College and you for continuing or long-term employment. While the College has every hope that employment relationships will be mutually beneficial and rewarding, employees and the College retain the right to terminate the employment relationship at will, at any time, with or without cause. The President is the only person who can modify or alter the at-will employment relationship.

Claremont McKenna College hires and promotes individuals on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.  Inquiries may be directed to the Director for Human Resources, 528 N. Mills Avenue, Claremont, California 91711-4015, (909) 621-8490.  All applicants must complete and submit an online application to be considered for an open position.

Employment is contingent upon new employee providing documents verifying U.S. citizenship or, for aliens, documents verifying legal permission to work in the United States, applicant's acceptability for positions requiring use of a college vehicle is contingent upon a driving record acceptable to the College's automobile liability insurance. Promotion from within is encouraged whenever qualified employees of Claremont McKenna College are available. Interested employees of the College are urged to contact the Office of Human Resources if qualified for any open position. Please do not contact departments directly.

Disability Accommodations                           &n bsp;                      &nbs p;                               

In compliance with applicable laws ensuring equal opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, CMC will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual (applicant or employee) with a disability if the disability affects the performance of essential job functions, unless the accommodation results in an undue hardship for the College. Employment decisions are based on the merit and not an individual's disability.               

An applicant or employee who requires an accommodation should contact the immediate supervisor and the Human Resources Office. If multiple accommodations are identified that do not pose an undue hardship for the College, the selection of an accommodation will be at CMC's discretion. To request disability accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (909) 621-8490 or hr@cmc.edu for assistance.