Research Assistant II Genomic Medicine

The Johnston Laboratory is an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative team of microbiologists, synthetic biologists, bioinformaticians, and engineers. Our long-term research goal is to comprehensively understand the capabilities of microbes and microbial communities within tumors, elucidate the mechanisms driving their behavior, and utilize this knowledge to engineer innovative therapeutics and advanced microbe-based technologies for cancer prevention and treatment.

About the role

The ideal candidate will coordinate and conduct experiments and laboratory procedures to support research projects, including our ongoing microbial engineering initiatives and microbial technology developments. The successful candidate will work independently with the PI and post-doctoral fellows using state-of-the-art approaches in synthetic microbiology and genomics in a highly collaborative, stimulating, and collegial research environment.

Responsibilities include lab maintenance, ordering lab reagents/supplies, and preparing communal lab reagents. With interest and experience, the individual may also assist with additional research opportunities. This position offers ample opportunities for professional development and the acquisition of cutting-edge skills in synthetic microbiology research, research planning, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial culture and stock maintenance, genetic engineering/transformation of bacterial strains/isolates.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) for isolation and analysis of DNA and RNA from microbial specimens, including PCR, quantitative PCR, RT-PCR, and sequencing.
• Assist in the design and implementation of molecular biology and synthetic microbiology techniques for the genetic engineering of multiple microbial species.
• Conduct literature reviews to determine the most suitable methods for research.
• Maintain diligent record-keeping and reporting; document experimental results clearly and accurately in laboratory notebooks.
• Present findings at internal (Johnston Lab) meetings.
• Assist in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures.
• Maintain and support shared tools and databases.
• Perform general laboratory maintenance, including cleaning and maintaining equipment, monitoring and stocking supplies, and preparing stock solutions and reagents.
• Order supplies for projects and anticipate laboratory needs in terms of equipment and supplies.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and present progress reports.
• Study literature and confer with supervisors regarding new procedures.
• Perform additional work as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Basic Science (required). Master’s Degree in Basic Science (preferred).
• One year of scientific or experimental research work experience (required). No experience required with a preferred degree.
• Highly-motivated individual interested in a career in biological research or medicine, with a keen interest in genetic engineering of microbes.
• Technically meticulous when conducting experiments and highly organized in record-keeping.
• Independent, intellectually passionate, and able to display scientific initiative.
• Excellent teamwork, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic and results-oriented environment and meet deadlines.

Skills

• Proficiency in basic molecular biology and microbiology techniques, such as aseptic technique, bacterial isolation and culture, strain library maintenance, PCR, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, cloning, and recombineering (required).
• Working knowledge and previous wet-lab experience with transformation of non-model bacterial organisms (e.g., optimization of competent cell preparation, heat shock, electroporation), in addition to standard E. coli transformations (highly desirable).
• Experience in the design and use of reagents for DNA cloning and genome engineering with shuttle vectors, suicide-vectors, CRISPR/Cas9, and transposon mutagenesis technologies (desirable).
• Working knowledge and experience in anaerobic culture (e.g., anaerobic chamber use) (beneficial).

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Pay

Minimum Salary: $45,000 USD
Midpoint Salary: $56,500 USD
Maximum Salary: $68,000 USD

Schedule

Full-time, regular position. Work week: Days. Hybrid onsite/remote work location.