Research Associate​/Lab Manager

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

Position Information

Announcement Number

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27141

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

The Jennings Lab, part of the Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology at Montana State University, is seeking a skilled Research Associate/Lab Manager to conduct bacterial pathogenesis research and manage day-to-day laboratory operations.

Position Number

Position Number 4C0406

Department

Department Microbiology & Cell Biology

Division

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Professional

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

The Jennings Lab studies how the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa adapts to changing environments and persists during infection. Current research focuses on bacterial epigenetics and biofilm biology. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing research projects while supporting the day-to-day operation and organization of the laboratory. Research responsibilities will include conducting experiments, developing and optimizing protocols, analyzing data, and communicating research findings.

Laboratory management responsibilities will include maintaining inventory and laboratory organization, ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, training students, and supporting laboratory safety and regulatory compliance. The position offers opportunities for collaboration, manuscript preparation, conference participation, and mentorship of students.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct and analyze microbiological, molecular, and biochemical experiments.
• Develop and optimize research protocols and communicate findings.
• Manage laboratory ordering, inventory, equipment, and organization.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents, media, and research materials.
• Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Maintain laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated laboratory research experience.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience in microbiology and molecular biology research, particularly bacterial genetics, molecular cloning, bacterial culturing, and/or biofilm biology.
• Experience with laboratory management, inventory, ordering, or equipment maintenance.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to learn new research techniques.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Effectively prioritize tasks and manage time with minimal supervision
• Demonstrate attention to detail and enthusiasm for scientific research
• Contribute positively to a collaborative laboratory environment

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable…