Research Technician I

About the Role

The Collins Laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology studies the mechanisms that enable bacterial pathogens to successfully colonize, persist, and cause disease, with a particular focus on host-microbe interactions, microbial metabolism, and the intestinal microbiota. The Research Technician I will support ongoing research projects through the execution of laboratory experiments, collection and analysis of data, maintenance of laboratory resources, and management of research records. The successful candidate will work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team, contributing to studies involving anaerobic bacterial culture, molecular biology, animal and clinical sample processing, and microbiome research. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform research activities in accordance with established laboratory protocols and institutional policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and conduct laboratory research experiments.
• Cultivation of anaerobic bacteria.
• Record keeping: Support scientific investigations by documenting results of experiments; collect, analyze, and summarize data in notebooks and in electronic files for presentations; assist in the preparation of laboratory reports and presentations.
• Conduct searches in medical literature and data bases to summarize information in an appropriate format for a particular study.
• Select, evaluate, and optimize techniques used in routine research.
• Clinical sample intake including data entry and maintaining records for collections and screening.
• Using sterile techniques.
• Perform various PCR assays, including conventional and qPCR.
• Follow laboratory and institutional safety protocols and training.
• Laboratory maintenance tasks: Order laboratory supplies and equipment, maintain laboratory equipment and common spaces.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• May require professional certification.
• Anaerobic bacterial culture
• Molecular biology
• Animal and clinical sample processing
• Microbiome research
• PCR assays (conventional and qPCR)
• Sterile techniques
• Strong organizational skills
• Attention to detail

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field of Science and two years of related experience.
• Required registration where appropriate may be substituted for one year of related experience.
• Additional experience may be used on a one-to-one basis to offset educational requirements.

Competencies

• Organized -- manages time effectively, keeps tasks appropriately prioritized.
• Work ethic -- motivated, diligent, industrious, and persistent in the workplace.
• Critical thinking -- ability to think through issues and identify appropriate problems.
• Teamwork -- ability to work with others and assist others, and take directions from others in the interest of moving processes and programs to the desired outcome.