Adjunct Researcher - Physics & Astronomy - Rob Davis Research Lab

Job Title

Adjunct Researcher – Physics & Astronomy – Rob Davis Research Lab

Posting End Date:
July 6, 2026
Position

Start Date:

September 2, 2026

• Master’s degree in physics, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, materials science, or a closely related field, REQUIRED
• PhD in physics, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, materials science, or a closely related field, PREFERRED

The required degree must be completed by the start date.

• Demonstrated experience with nucleic acid handling, preparation, purification, characterization, or analysis.
• Ability to manage experimental workflows and maintain organized research records.
• Ability to train, supervise, and mentor undergraduate researchers in a laboratory setting.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work on campus in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
• Candidate must relocate to or reside in Utah for the duration of employment.

• Research experience in nucleic acid nanotechnology.
• Experience attaching DNA oligomers or other nucleic acid constructs to inorganic surfaces.
• Experience with RNA purification and quality assessment.
• Experience with nucleic acid characterization methods, such as gel electrophoresis, UV‑Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence‑based assays, chromatography, qPCR, or related analytical techniques.
• Experience managing research projects or coordinating progress toward technical milestones.
• Experience supervising undergraduate research assistants.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, molecular biology, nanotechnology, and materials science.

Manage day‑to‑day research activities for the Rob Davis Research Lab:

• Develop, implement, and troubleshoot experimental protocols.
• Prepare and purify RNA and related nucleic acid materials.
• Characterize nucleic acid constructs and surface‑bound DNA oligomers.
• Analyze experimental data.
• Maintain accurate research records.
• Coordinate progress toward project milestones.

The Adjunct Researcher will also help direct undergraduate researchers working on the project:

• Train students in relevant laboratory methods.
• Supervise day‑to‑day research activities.
• Mentor students in experimental design and data analysis.
• Help to ensure appropriate laboratory safety and research compliance practices.

The position is expected to be performed on campus.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.