Part-Time Research Specimen Driver

Job Title: Part-Time Research Specimen DriverLocation: Berkeley, CA → Dixon, CA → Berkeley, CAJob Type: Part-Time, Approximately 1 Morning per Week or Every Other WeekAbout The PositionConception is seeking a reliable and responsible undergraduate student to help with transportation of research specimens between Dixon, CA and our laboratory in Berkeley.This is a small but important part of our research workflow, so we are looking for someone who is dependable, consistent, punctual, and communicative.Typical ScheduleApproximately one trip per week or every other weekExpected hours are roughly 7:00 AM–10:00 AMThe trip will most likely take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, or FridayWe can work with your class schedule to establish a consistent preferred dayAdvance notice will be provided regarding upcoming pickup dates whenever possibleKey ResponsibilitiesDrive from Berkeley to Dixon, CA to pick up research specimensCoordinate with our team regarding pickup timing and logisticsSafely transport the specimens back to our laboratory in BerkeleyFollow simple instructions for handling and transporting the specimensCommunicate promptly if there are any delays, scheduling issues, or other problemsBe consistently available for agreed-upon pickup datesWhat We’re Looking ForEducation: Current undergraduate student preferred; no specific major requiredReliable transportation: Must have access to your own reliable vehicle for travel between Berkeley and DixonDriver’s license: Must have a valid driver’s licenseReliability: This is the most important qualification. Because specimens are collected specifically for our research, we need someone who can consistently complete scheduled pickupsCommunication: Responsive and proactive communication regarding scheduling or unexpected delaysPunctuality: Ability to arrive at the pickup location at the agreed-upon timeComfortable entering a working slaughterhouse/meat-processing environment to collect packaged research specimensAble to work independently and follow straightforward transport instructionsNo laboratory or scientific experience is required. We will provide all necessary training regarding specimen pickup, handling, and transportation.What We OfferFlexible scheduling around your school scheduleA consistent, low-hour part-time positionOpportunity to support cutting-edge reproductive biology researchTraining and all necessary materials for specimen transportCompetitive hourly compensationMileage reimbursement for use of your personal vehicleOur missionConception is a startup that aims to generate viable human eggs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Successful development of our research could have many benefits, such as removing age limits on motherhood, allowing for easy screening of eggs with harmful genetic mutations, and allowing same-sex couples to reproduce. This has been done in mice, and now we are working to translate it to humans.Our researchTo accomplish our goal, we must derive human germ cells from iPSCs (human germ cell-like cells, hPGCLCs) that resemble both the transcriptional and epigenetic profile of in vivo germ cells (PGCs) that are able to enter meiosis and develop into viable human eggs. We create ovarian organoids that include ovarian somatic cells and germ cells to grow functional egg cells.