Research Associate , Plant & Microbial Biology

Staff Research Associate 1 (9613C), Plant & Microbial Biology - 84141

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The Department of Plant Biology was formed in 1989 under the leadership of Professor Richard Malkin, from a nucleus of faculty members from the departments of Botany, Cell Physiology, Entomology, Genetics and Plant Pathology; these departments were eventually dissolved. In the mid‑1990s, under the aegis of Chancellor Chang‑Lin Tien, Professor Sydney Govons Kustu founded the Division of Microbial Biology together with Professors Bob Buchanan and Wilhelm Gruissem.

The addition of the Division of Microbiology and faculty from the reorganized College of Natural Resources created the Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, which continues to grow through recruitment.

The Komeili Lab Staff Research Associate participates in a project on the genetics and cell biology of organelles in magneto tactic bacteria. The candidate works closely with the PI to design strategies for evaluating direct and indirect links between magneto some organelles and other intracellular structures in magneto tactic bacteria.

• Conduct and troubleshoot experiments: examine the impacts of various growth conditions on biomineralization and carbon metabolism in AMB‑1.
• Design amendments to growth media and measure cell growth.
• Create mutants in key pathways related to biomineralization and carbon storage.
• Design and build plasmids to examine protein localization using fluorescence microscopy.
• Examine cellular characteristics using electron microscopy.
• Consult with supervisor to determine next steps.
• Attend weekly scheduled meetings with the PI to discuss progress and propose next steps.
• Review and collate data prior to meetings and present ideas for next steps.
• Participate in assigned laboratory maintenance tasks.
• Maintain specific lab equipment such as wet baths, scales, or pH meters.
• Keep assigned area of the lab, such as the bench for protein‑related experiments, clean and organized.
• Perform rotating tasks: washing dishes, autoclaving materials and waste, maintaining test tube and pipette supplies.
• Attend and present at weekly group meetings.

• Present recent experimental progress and discuss technical challenges and roadblocks during roundtable discussions.
• Give research presentations on project progress, relevance, and future directions on a rotating basis.
• Participate in journal clubs, presenting latest findings in the literature.
• When not presenting, engage in discussions by asking questions and offering suggestions.
• Participation enhances cooperation among lab members, advances research projects, and improves scientific communication skills.

• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, DNA…