Research Specialist

Job Description Summary

The successful candidate will contribute to independent and collaborative research projects involving plant-microbe interactions, molecular biology, and greenhouse and growth chamber experiments. The person in this position will be responsible for diverse activities including but not limited to: running growth chamber and greenhouse experiments; caring for live plants and microbes; collecting, entering, and curating data; performing molecular lab work (e.g. DNA extraction); ordering supplies; supervising and mentoring undergraduates; training new lab members; and managing day-to-day operations.

Job Responsibilities

• Drive a research project: collect, analyze and interpret data, and present results at lab meetings
• Caring for live plants and microbial cultures
• Performing DNA extractions and other molecular lab techniques
• Support the general operations of the lab through ordering supplies, organizing lab items, and maintaining shared spaces
• Training and supervising undergraduate lab members
• Assisting with manuscript preparation
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Background in data analysis.
• Experience designing data collection protocols and working with plants and/or microbes is strongly preferred but not required.
• Experience mentoring students workers is strongly preferred.