Part‑Time Research Associate – Microbial Pathogenesis

About the role

The Research Associate will develop projects in microbial pathogenesis, focusing on gut microbes to uncover mechanisms of infectious disease. The position involves independent literature research and the application of molecular microbiology and host‑microbe interaction techniques to advance treatment development.

Key responsibilities

• Manage lab accounts, purchases, bacterial collection, equipment, and waste disposal (approximately 50% of time).
• Guide and train new laboratory personnel, assist with experimental preparation, data analysis, and scientific communication (approximately 30%).
• Design and perform microbiology assays, cell culture, in‑vitro and in‑vivo host‑microbe experiments, and molecular techniques such as lambda red mutagenesis, recombinant protein construction, DNA/RNA extraction, genomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics (approximately 20%).

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Biomedical Sciences.
• At least one year of experience with bacterial cultures, sterilization protocols, cell culture, in‑vitro/in‑vivo host‑microbe experiments, and molecular methods (e.g., lambda red mutagenesis, DNA/RNA extraction, protein analysis).
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Microbiology or related field and advanced experience in molecular microbiology and bioinformatics.

Required skills

• Microbiology techniques and bacterial culture maintenance.
• Molecular cloning, plasmid construction, DNA sequencing, quantitative RT‑PCR, RNA and protein analysis.
• Lambda red mutagenesis, recombinant protein production, DNA/RNA extraction, genomics, metabolomics.
• Basic bioinformatics tools.

What we offer

• Competitive hourly professional pay grade.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement options, paid holidays, and tuition exemption for qualified positions.
• Background‑check‑required employment and opportunities for professional development.