Micobiology Research Assistant

Job Title: Microbiology Research Assistant

Location: Darien / Lemont, IL.

Job Type: Long-Term Contract

Salary Range: $45,000 – $150,000 (commensurate with education and experience)

We are seeking Research Assistants at multiple levels (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.) to support a diverse portfolio of microbiology and biotechnology research programs. Candidates will contribute to experimental design, execution, data analysis, and high-throughput workflows across several focus areas.

• Cloning of target genes
• Protein expression, purification, and characterization
• Biochemical and functional assays

• Molecular biology techniques
• Protein purification and characterization
• Experience with membrane protein systems preferred

• Microbiology and molecular biology techniques
• Vector and strain propagation and storage
• Protein purification using liquid chromatography
• Protein characterization (gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering)
• Protein crystallization and related instrumentation

• Design and engineering of microbial hosts
• Characterization of engineered strains
• Production of chemical feed stocks and biofuels as petroleum alternatives

• Support bioconversion and separations research
• Address separations challenges limiting renewable energy technologies
• Backgrounds in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science encouraged

• Cultivation of environmental bacterial strains
• Genome manipulation using transposons, CRISPR, and other genome-editing tools

• Growth and analysis of environmental bacterial strains and microbial communities
• Host–microbe interaction studies (e.g., plant-associated systems)

• Isolation of metagenomic DNA from environmental samples
• DNA preparation for sequencing and downstream analysis

• Support multi-omics and high-throughput experimental pipelines
• Data analysis, pipeline support, and collaboration with experimental scientists

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, or a related field
• Hands‑on laboratory or computational research experience relevant to one or more focus areas
• Strong documentation, data analysis, and teamwork skills

• Broad exposure to cutting‑edge microbiology and biotechnology research
• Opportunities to work across experimental and computational teams
• Long‑term contract stability with competitive compensation

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ESPO has a comprehensive benefits package which includes PTO, Group Health and Dental Insurance, and 401k after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law. If you need assistance applying, please get in touch with us directly.