Research Assistant

This is a grant funded position and is not eligible for severance pay.

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, 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.

Under supervision of the principal investigator, other lab members, and senior scientists in neighboring labs who are intimately familiar with the techniques required, the Research Assistant may conduct a variety of experiments using a variety of skills, which may include culturing bacterial and mammalian cells, performing fixed-cell and live-cell microscopy, making mesoscale and high-throughput measurements, and using microfluidic devices, quantitative image analysis, MATLAB and python programming, and machine learning.  In these capacities, the Research Assistant will also record test results and analyze data using statistics. Our data-driven modeling requires use and development of custom code. Therefore, the strongest candidates will have computer programming and quantitative analysis skills.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering and 3-5 years of related laboratory experience OR Master’s degree and up to one year laboratory experience.     

Preferred Qualifications:

• Consistent attention to detail and excellent organizational and communication skills are critical.
• Knowledge of MS Office products, statistical/quantitative analysis, and computation is necessary.  

     
Special Work Schedule Requirements:
Occasional need to work beyond regular work hours, holidays, or weekends as experiments demand.

     
An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire, promotion, or transfer.

Equal Opportunity Employer – minority/females/veterans/disability/sexual orientation/gender identity.