Graduate Assistantships
BMFS Graduate Assistantships are part-time positions that involve students in the preparation and maintenance of a variety of laboratories and research activities in the program. Some positions are paid and others are unpaid but serve as a capstone activity for specialized track completion.
Types of BMFS Graduate Assistantships:
Forensic Biology Teaching Assistant
Typical duties include:
- Performing a run-through of each lab experiment in advance
- Setting up lab stations each week on morning of lab class
- Preparing chemicals and unknown samples
- Placing and keeping track of orders for chemicals and equipment
- Maintaining lab organization and cleanliness
Available to current students who have successfully completed GMS FS 704
Criminalistics Research Assistant
Typical duties include:
- Preparing mock evidence/crime scenes and hands-on exercises for GMS FS 701, 706, 800 and 840
- Assisting students during lab exercises as needed
- Maintaining lab organization and cleanliness
- Researching new methods/techniques that can be incorporated into future exercises
- Accessioning and preserving donated biological samples
- Calibrating laboratory equipment and ordering supplies
- Chemical and biohazards waste management
Available to current students who have successfully completed GMS FS 701
Instrumental Analysis Laboratory Assistant
Typical duties include:
- Cleaning glassware and maintaining the cleanliness of the laboratory
- Preparing solutions and ordering supplies
- Assisting with preparation of lab exercises prior to class
- Assisting students with data processing
Available to current students who have successfully completed GMS FS 708
Multimedia Assistant
Typical duties include:
- Video recording of mock testimony exercises
- Photography of program events
- Assisting with designing and editing online or printed material
Available to current students who have expertise in photography, videography and/or imaging software
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Assistant
Typical duties include:
- Organizing chemicals/supplies/equipment pertaining to the course
- Preparing chemicals and/or specific bloodstain patterns when needed
- Setting up each experiment prior to class
- Uploading digital photos from the lab experiments each day
Available to current students who have successfully completed GMS FS 713
Forensic Chemistry Research Assistant
Typical duties include:
- Maintaining inventory and ordering the laboratory supplies
- Calibrating, carrying out maintenance and coordinating instrument service
- Assisting first year students with with training and method development for their research
Available to current students who have successfully completed GMS FS 703
DNA Laboratory Assistant
Typical duties include:
- Aiding in general laboratory maintenance
- Solution preparation
- QC of 7500 RT-PCR instrumentation, 9700 thermal-cycler, inventory maintenance, etc.
Available to to current students who have successfully completed GMS FS 721