Research Scientist

Position: Research Scientist I

The Research Scientist I will be responsible for advancing NIH- and startup-funded studies on Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The scientist will independently design and execute molecular, cellular, and microbiological experiments including cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation, flow cytometry and cell sorting, microscopy (confocal and fluorescence), and protein assays (Western blot, ELISA, Olink). The position requires handling of bacterial cultures (E.

coli, M. bovis BCG, M. smegmatis, and virulent M. tuberculosis), macrophage infection models, and lentiviral systems for CRISPR delivery. The role will begin with BSL2 work and transition to BSL3 pathogen culture and murine infections once clearance is granted. The Research Scientist I will also maintain compliance with IACUC and biosafety protocols, contribute to publications and grant proposals, and assist in training additional staff and students.

ESSENTIAL

FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Conduct specialized research and experimental work:
  Design and execute experiments involving molecular cloning, PCR/qPCR, NGS library preparation, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, flow cytometry and cell sorting, confocal/fluorescence microscopy, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, ELISA, Olink assays, and macrophage infection models.
• Culture and manipulate
  
  E. coli, M. bovis BCG, M. smegmatis, and M. tuberculosis under appropriate BSL2/BSL3 conditions.
• Perform lentiviral vector preparation and transduction for CRISPR delivery.
• Maintain detailed experimental records; analyze, interpret, and present data.
• Conduct murine infections with M. tuberculosis, perform necropsies, and isolate immune cell populations for downstream analyses.
• Ensure strict adherence to IACUC and BSL3 safety protocols.

Training and supervision

• Train and mentor technicians, students, and collaborators in molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, and biosafety procedures.
• Provide technical troubleshooting and ensure safe, compliant lab practices.

Laboratory operations and compliance

• Manage inventories, ordering, and equipment maintenance.
• Develop and update SOPs; support inspection readiness for CDC/EHS compliance.

Manuscripts and grants

• Contribute to preparation of manuscripts, posters, and grant proposals in collaboration with PI.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technical skills and competencies to conduct quantifiable, meaningful research.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interact with individuals of diverse backgrounds at all levels, internal and external to the organization.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a positive, contributing member of a team.
• Ability to keyboard and utilize various standardized word processing, spreadsheet preparation, and presentation software.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to prioritize work, performing assignments with minimal supervision.

Special required ability for incumbents who have contact or exposure to animals or animal tissues

• Ability to complete and pass successfully the required occupational health screening referenced in the University’s Animal Handler Health Surveillance Program on an annual basis.

Required

Education and/or Experience

– (No specific requirements listed.)

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in a biomedical research laboratory, preferably in tuberculosis or infectious disease research.
• Demonstrated proficiency with BSL3-level work and compliance with biosafety and animal protocols.
• Experience with murine work, including breeding, colony management, and generation of knockout or Cre‑lox strains.
• Prior experience with dual RNA‑seq, NGS library preparation, or other high‑throughput molecular assays.

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