Laboratory and Research Specialist II

Job Description

The Laboratory and Research Specialist will conduct growth experiments with pure cultures of strictly anaerobic, hyperthermophilic and mesophilic methanogenic archaea, employing serum tubes and serum bottles, and analyze these cultures using UV-visible spectroscopy, light microscopy and protein assays.

The Specialist will formulate and prepare appropriate growth media, cultivate the archaea in 5-100 mL volumes, and monitor growth by cell counts using a phase contrast microscope with a Petroff‑Hauser counter and optical density measurements. The Specialist will perform heterologous protein expression experiments with recombinant hyperthermophilic and mesophilic methanogenic archaea and

E. coli, estimate protein levels via SDS‑PAGE and western blotting, and purify proteins to apparent homogeneity under aerobic and anaerobic conditions using affinity chromatography. Experience with an anaerobic chamber, handling strictly anaerobic methanogenic archaea, estimating proteins, and use of a spectrophotometer are essential.

B.S. in Biochemistry, Microbiology or equivalent, with research experience in cultivating strictly anaerobic methanogenic archaea in liquid media with gaseous substrates, use of an anaerobic chamber, purification of heterologously expressed proteins to homogeneity, analysis via SDS‑PAGE, western blotting and protein assays, data processing using Microsoft Excel, and report writing.

Experience in performing spectrophotometric assays for enzymatic activity.

• Pay Band: 4, $26‑$31/hr.
• Hours per week:
  Avg. 29 hours (not to exceed 1,500 hours May 1 – April 30).
• Appointment Type:
  Restricted.
• Overtime Status:
  Non‑Exempt, eligible for overtime.

Department cannot provide visa sponsorship. Successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status. Employees and applicants may inquire about or discuss their compensation without fear of discrimination.

Individuals with a disability seeking accommodations may contact Dr. Biswarup Mukhophadyay at bmukhopa at least ten business days before the event.