The Moore Laboratory of Zoology at Occidental College, is seeking a 
full-time LABORATORY TECHNICIAN to join our team ASAP and carry out 
DNA-based projects in ornithology using modern and historical DNA 
specimens from the Moore Lab’s collection of 65,000 birds (see 
instagram.com/mlzbirds). Major projects include an NSF-funded project 
comparing DNA of modern and historical specimens to look for genomic 
change over the last 100 years and hybridization genomics of introduced 
Los Angeles parrots.

The successful applicant will have at least one year’s experience 
working in a molecular lab. Some experience with genomic techniques is 
preferred, but not required. Duties include ancient and modern DNA 
extraction, library preparation for next-generation sequencing, 
sequencing using an Illumina MiSeq, and training and coordinating the 
activities of undergraduates. The applicant should have good leadership, 
organizational, and interpersonal skills.

The position is renewable each year and includes a competitive benefits 
package with health, dental, and life insurance and eligibility for 
retirement benefits after 1 year. The position is paid at an hourly rate 
of $20/hour. The full job ad can be accessed here: 
https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oxy.edu%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fassets%2FHR%2FHourly%2Flab_technician_mlz_2019_0.pdf&data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7Ceccb9f4709ea4195f33208d6f49405b1%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C1%7C636965313926266901&sdata=wOqmHPZmkUQ4FCl9egDn%2BRTviSz4EOCV2xcKi2V92kc%3D&reserved=0

Applications must include a one-page CV, a cover letter describing 
experience and interest in the job, and contact information for three 
references. Please send applications to Dr. John McCormack 
(mccormack@oxy.edu) with subject line indicating “Laboratory 
Technician”. Applications should arrive by July 1. The ideal start date 
for this position is August 1 or ASAP after that.

The Moore Laboratory of Zoology is a world-renowned natural history 
collection featuring the largest Mexican bird collection in the world 
and over 65,000 bird and mammal specimens. The MLZ has close ties to 
nearby institutions such as the Jet Propulsion Lab, UCLA, Huntington 
Library, and the L.A. County Natural History Museum. Occidental is a 
small liberal arts college located in the culturally-rich Los Angeles 
neighborhood of Eagle Rock near Pasadena. Occidental is well-situated 
close to many outdoor recreational activities: the ocean, mountains, and 
desert can all be reached in 45 minutes or less. The neighborhood 
surrounding Occidental College is family friendly, walkable, and home to 
a wealth of urban amenities.