Research Associate, Biology

Title

Research Associate, Biology

Non‑Tenure Track

The Department of Biology at Indiana University Bloomington is a leading institution with strong undergraduate and national-level graduate programs and world‑class research across a broad range of biological disciplines. The Fuqua Lab in the Microbiology section seeks a Research Associate to contribute to the NIH grant “Mechanisms of pterin‑dependent regulation in proteobacterial systems” (R01 GM160733), focusing on the regulation of biofilm formation by pterins in the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

The lab emphasizes collaboration and support, and the successful candidate will work closely with graduate students, a senior researcher, and undergraduates.

• Learn, conduct, and teach key research protocols, including DNA purification, molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, PCR, bacterial transformation, microbiological cultivation, SDS‑PAGE, and western blotting, as required for the pterin project.
• Manage grant meetings and coordinate material exchanges between collaborating laboratories.
• Handle laboratory inventory, ordering, and general management tasks.
• Participate in laboratory task rotations.
• Prepare written summaries for annual grant reporting and manuscript preparation, and deliver presentations at lab meetings, grant meetings, and conferences.

• Effective time management
• Accurate and organized record keeping
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Openness to training and new techniques
• Proficiency in written and oral communication
• Problem‑solving and proactive approach to preventing problems
• Dependability and punctuality
• Flexibility for research tasks and prioritization of experiments

• Molecular biology experience
• DNA sequence analysis
• Aseptic technique and microbiology
• Familiarity with data analysis and statistics

Laboratory research with periods of intense focus and technical clarity, requiring organized planning, record keeping, and clear communication among lab members.

Submit a cover letter describing your interests, background, and availability; a CV or resume; and names and contact information for two references. Apply through the posted link:  For questions, contact Clay Fuqua (cfuqua).

Applicant review will begin June 1, 2026. Initial appointment is one year, with reappointment contingent on performance and funding. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and full benefits are included. Best consideration date is June 16, 2026, and expected start date is July 1, 2026.

Posting Number: IU‑101580‑2026