Research Technician Bacteriophage and Gut Microbiome Research

Institution: University at Buffalo, State University of New York
Research Laboratory: Dr. Yolanda Huang’s Laboratory
Posting Number: R260154

The University at Buffalo is seeking a Research Technician I to join Dr. Yolanda Huang’s laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

The laboratory investigates the functions of gut anaerobic bacteria and bacteriophages using high-throughput functional genomics. Research focuses on bacteria–phage interactions, how bacteriophages influence bacterial physiology, and how these interactions shape microbial community dynamics in the gut.

The research programme uses advanced approaches, including DNA barcoding, short-read and long-read sequencing, and high-throughput functional genomics, to improve our understanding of the gut microbiota at the molecular level.

The Research Technician I will:

• Conduct routine laboratory experiments following established protocols.
• Record experimental procedures, observations, and results accurately and promptly.
• Interpret experimental data and communicate findings to the principal investigator.
• Contribute to scientific publications through experimental work, computational analyses, and writing.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to research discussions.
• Assist other laboratory members with experimental and technical tasks.
• Perform weekly laboratory maintenance, including purchasing and stocking supplies.
• Complete administrative tasks related to laboratory operations.
• Participate in the design and execution of wet-lab experiments and/or computational analyses, as appropriate.

Depending on the research project and the candidate’s expertise, work may involve:

• Bacterial genetics and molecular cloning.
• Bacterial and bacteriophage isolation, cultivation, and propagation.
• Aerobic and anaerobic microbial culture techniques.
• Protein purification and protein biochemistry.
• Molecular biology and assay development.
• DNA barcoding and sequencing technologies.
• Bioinformatics and high-throughput functional genomics.
• Analytical chemistry techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS).

Applicants must have:

• Education in a relevant field and at least one year of directly related research experience.
• At least one year of relevant laboratory experience.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree on a year-for-year basis, as specified in the vacancy.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Experience in bacterial or bacteriophage cultivation, molecular biology, and/or bioinformatics.
• Experience in experimental laboratory research or computational analysis.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a research team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivation and an interest in contributing to scientific publications.

The vacancy specifies that two references are required.