AY26/27 MS Biology/Honor Scholar Interns

AY26/27 MS Biology/Honor Scholar Interns

School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Academic Affairs

Tsaile/Tuba City Campus

Diné College STUDENT Employment

Duty Schedule:

Monday – Friday. The work schedule is based on interns and the Master Advisor: no leave, holiday, or make-up hours. (weekend and/or evening may be necessary).

Summary/Objective of Position:

The continuation of the Diné College research program will focus on ongoing projects and fieldwork. The Honor Scholar students are the next cohort of prospective master's students and will continue the research initiated in the laboratory during the upcoming fall semester. The selected students will build upon the existing projects while gaining hands-on research experience. Dr. and Dr. Skaltsas will serve as the primary Ph.D. advisors, providing mentorship and guidance to master's students as they develop as Dine College scientists and researchers. The cohort of students has already been selected and is prepared to begin laboratory research. With the research positions already established, interns will have the opportunity to pursue their own research interests while contributing to ongoing laboratory- and field-based projects.

Description of Essential Functions of the Position

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to reflect the current job accurately, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Internship duties – instruction, research, and academic support.
• Assist with instructional activities for interns and support related courses, including laboratory preparation and classroom activities.
• Maintain academic good standing with a minimum GPA equivalent of a B or higher.
• Develop a thorough understanding of assigned research projects and actively contribute to research activities.
• Prepare and confidently present research findings through poster presentations, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of the project.
• Complete assigned research, fieldwork, and academic tasks in a timely and professional manner throughout the semester.
• Collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and fellow interns in a professional and respectful environment.
• Perform a variety of service and administrative tasks that contribute to the success of the research program, department, and college.
• Support service initiatives and academic events at both the school and university levels.
• Demonstrate professionalism, responsibility, teamwork, and a commitment to academic excellence in all assigned duties.
• The student will be working during the fall/spring semester.
• 40 hours per week (bi-weekly)
• $17-$21 hourly rate.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Minimum:

• Minimum one year of fieldwork and laboratory experience.
• Ability to work within a collaborative environment.
• Commitment and dedication to taking action, not just talking about it.

Preferred:

• Advancing all interns making progress or improving over time, working with all campus faculty, staff, and students.
• Learning to communicate with all people on campus to build a good network.

Knowledge:

• Assist in the customer service in the working area by all the interns' experience.
• Management time, scheduling lab work, and keeping all notes.
• Have knowledge of personnel, policy, and procedures within the college.
• Have skills working with mentors, staff, and students.

Skills:

• Current graduate student or undergraduate Honors Scholar in good academic standing.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures, research methods, and laboratory safety practices.
• Effective research, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, as well as Canvas and Zoom.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and research teams.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques, research protocols, and data collection methods.
• Ability to maintain accurate research records and meet project deadlines. Comfortable participating in face-to-face instruction, hands-on laboratory activities, fieldwork, and course-related assignments.

Abilities:

• Support an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative learning and research environment.
• Demonstrate an understanding of culturally responsive, community-based, and participatory research approaches.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, research participants, and community partners.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal, teamwork, and collaboration skills while working on interdisciplinary research projects.
• Communicate professionally and effectively in both written and verbal formats.
• Maintain ethical standards, confidentiality, and integrity in all research and academic activities. Represent the research program and institution professionally during outreach events, presentations, and community engagement activities.

Physical Requirements, Work Environment & Travel:

• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
• Weekends and Evenings: Weekend and/or evening work may be required based on research activities, outreach events, or project deadlines.
• Remote Work: Remote work opportunities may be available depending on project needs and supervisor approval.
• Work Environment: Research is primarily conducted indoors; however, some projects require outdoor fieldwork in varying and potentially adverse weather conditions. Interns are expected to wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment for field activities.
• Travel to other campuses, research sirtes, community locations, and outreach events is expected. Reliable transportation depending on assignment.

Other Requirement(s):

• This position requires travel to the college campus, research sites, and community outreach locations.
• Interns are expected to use their personal vehicle for authorized travel when necessary.
• A valid driver's license issued by the state of residence and proof of current automobile insurance are required for interns who drive as part of their assigned duties.
• Interns must successfully complete all required laboratory safety training and demonstrate competency in laboratory procedures before participating in research activities.
• Incumbents must meet all position qualifications and comply with institutional policies, procedures, and research compliance requirements. 
• Interns are responsible for accurately completing and submitting all required Time and Effort Reports, timesheets, and other employment documentation by established deadlines.

Salary : $17 - $21