Overview
This is a limited term position for 1 year.
The faculty in MBM are united by a common interest in the biology of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites) and the effects of microbes on human and animal hosts. The microbial pathogens program studies microorganisms that cause infectious diseases, with emphasis on rigorous analysis of these pathogens and the immune responses that restrict them. Program investigators direct detailed studies of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi and eukaryotic parasites. Research topics include structural analysis of virus entry, viral evolution, viral oncogenes, microbiome effects on the host, intracellular bacterial pathogens, microorganisms that cause diarrhea and pneumonia, intracellular signaling, pathogen adhesion, genetic determinants involved in susceptibility to infection, vaccine development, and identification of novel antimicrobial agents.
What You'll Do
Under close supervision of Principal Investigator and co-Principal Investigator, the successful applicant will conduct a variety of routine experiments following established procedures and protocols, which will largely include extraction of nucleic acids and high sensitivity reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) and polymerase chain reactions (PCR) reactions. PCR The successful applicant will help to design and optimize assay protocols, record test results, analyze data using basic bioinformatic/quality assurance tools, and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies. The major functions of this position are to conduct experiments and to organize the laboratory. Duties may include work with other lab members on PCR-related work, RNA analysis and engineering controls, ordering supplies, and maintaining required paperwork. The successful candidate will have a history of demonstrating laboratory best practices and keen interest in maintaining laboratory safety. Past technicians have been co-authors on publications from the laboratory. The successful candidate must be personable, extremely well organized, dedicated, hardworking, have excellent communication skills, and should have a BA or ScB in a scientific discipline and a minimum of one year's experience with nucleic acids in a research laboratory setting. Ideally, the candidate has experience in high sensitivity PCR and or single genome sequencing. Training will be provided for the techniques required to conduct the research project.
What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in science with a minimum of 1 year of research laboratory experience performing RT-PCR and or PCR with demonstrated proficiency in primer design, and troubleshooting PCR assay reactions, and basic to intermediate understanding of sequence alignments and analysis is required.
- Familiarity with the fundamentals of biosafety and aseptic technique is essential.
- Considering that the PI and co-PI may be absent from the laboratory much of the time, a demonstrated ability to work independently of supervision is essential.
- Advanced knowledge and experience with laboratory techniques and procedures.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Consistent attention to detail and excellent organizational and communication skills are critical.
- Previous experience with tissue culture, working with microbiology and/or molecular biology are preferred but not required.
- Basic knowledge of performing phylogenetic analysis, genetic distance measurements, knowledge of MEGA or similar bioinformatics software is highly desirable.
Special Work Schedule Requirements:
May need to work for 1-3 hours on weekends, depending on status of laboratory experiments and or COVID-19 laboratory physical distancing and de-densification policies.
