High School Summer Research Assistant

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry invites applications for a temporary High School Summer Research Assistant position. The student will participate in a short-term summer research experience under Professor Xiaocun Lu. Responsibilities may include completing required laboratory safety training and technical training, assisting with supervised research activities, learning basic laboratory procedures, contributing to assigned summer project tasks, and preparing a brief presentation summarizing the summer research experience.
The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong academic record, motivation to learn and participate in research, reliability, and a commitment to completing the scheduled summer research activities. The student will be expected to follow all university, departmental, and laboratory safety policies and to complete all required training before participating in laboratory activities.

Level and Pay Rate: This is a temporary, hourly, non-exempt student position for up to 60 total working hours between June 22 and July 29, 2026. Weekly hours will be arranged flexibly based on project needs, student availability, and supervisor approval. The pay rate will be the applicable New York State minimum wage, currently $16.00/hour as of January 1, 2026.

Complete all required university, departmental, laboratory safety, and project-specific technical training before participating in laboratory activities.
Participate in supervised research activities under the direction of the faculty supervisor and/or designated laboratory personnel, including basic laboratory tasks, sample preparation, data collection, literature review, data organization, or other project-related activities as assigned.
Follow all university, departmental, and laboratory safety policies and procedures, and maintain appropriate conduct in laboratory and research spaces.
Communicate regularly with the supervisor regarding schedule, progress, training needs, and assigned tasks.
Maintain accurate notes or records of assigned research activities, as appropriate for the project.
Work toward completion of assigned summer research project goals and prepare a brief final presentation summarizing the summer research experience and project outcomes.
Perform other related duties as assigned within the scope of a temporary, supervised high school summer research position.

Minimal Qualifications: Candidate must be a current high school student in good academic standing with an interest in science, research, or a related STEM field. The candidate must be willing to complete all required safety and technical training and commit to the agreed summer research schedule.

Preferred Qualifications: : Prior coursework, school activities, or project experience related to science, chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, mathematics, or another STEM field is preferred but not required. Prior laboratory or research experience is not required.

Experience:
Minimal Experience: Current high school student in good academic standing with an interest in science or research. Must be willing to complete required safety and technical training and commit to the summer research schedule.

* Interest in science, research, and learning new skills.
* Ability to follow instructions and ask questions when needed.
* Willingness to complete required safety and technical training.
* Attention to detail when completing assigned tasks.
* Ability to communicate respectfully with the supervisor and lab members.
* Reliability and commitment to the agreed summer research schedule.
* Basic computer skills, including email, document preparation, and presentation slides..

The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Health & Safety: All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University's Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

Special Instructions to Applicants: An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from veterans and people with disabilities.

All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records