Research Associate, Biology Fuqua Lab

Research Associate, Biology Fuqua Lab

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The Fuqua Lab in the Department of Biology at Indiana University, Bloomington is seeking a Research Associate. Our lab in the Microbiology section is focused on complex bacterial behaviors, including biofilm formation and host interactions, using the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens as a model. The overarching goal for this position is to make timely progress on our NIH grant entitled "Mechanisms of pterin-dependent regulation in proteobacterial systems" (Grant number R01 GM160733) which explores a new regulatory mechanism that controls biofilm formation we have discovered based on excreted metabolites called pterins (for details see Greenwich et al.

2024; PNAS, doi:
10.1073/pnas.). The Fuqua lab research team is currently comprised of graduate students, a senior research scientist, and undergraduates. All members of our team contribute to the projects of other team members - this may include assistance with a research protocol, feedback on presentations, edits on manuscripts, and so on. The lab philosophy is that a collaborative and supportive research environment benefits everyone involved.

We are seeking an individual to join this team, contribute to the lab in general, and further the goals of the NIH grant.

Basic Qualifications - Core job duties include: (1) Learning, conducting and teaching other lab members our key research protocols. In the lab, this will include: DNA purification, Molecular Cloning, Gel Electrophoresis, DNA Sequencing, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Bacterial Transformation, Microbiological Cultivation, SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting. These and other experimental approaches will be applied as needed to the experimental plan for the pterin project.

(2) Management of pterin grant meetings and material exchanges between collaborating laboratories. (3) Laboratory management and ordering. (4) Participation in general laboratory task rotations (5) Written summaries of research (for annual grant reporting and for manuscript preparation), and research presentations (lab meetings, grant meetings, and conferences).

Required skills
· Effective time management
· Accurate and organized record keeping
· Ability to work in a team
· Receptivity to training and new techniques
· Proficiency in written and oral communication
· Problem solving and pro-active approach to preventing problems
· Dependability and punctuality
· Flexibility for research tasks and prioritization of experiments.

Preferred skills
· Molecular biology experience
· DNA sequence analysis
· Aseptic technique and microbiology
· Familiarity with data analysis and statistics

Working conditions:

Laboratory research with periods of intense focus and technical clarity. Organization, planning and record keeping for experiments are crucial and this work requires careful and deliberate effort. Effective communication between lab members is critical.

To apply:

Please submit (1) a cover letter describing your interests and background, why you are interested in the position, and the date you are able to start, (2) a CV or resume, (3) names and contact information for two references. This can be submitted to the following link:  For questions about the position, contact Clay Fuqua (cfuqua). Applicant review will begin on June 1, 2026.

The initial appointment is for one year, with reappointment contingent on performance and continued funding. Salary will be commensurate with experience and full benefits are included. Best consideration date is 6/16/26 and expected start date is 7/1/26.