Research Assistant Level 2

Research Assistant II – Molecular Microbiology

The Research Assistant II provides hands-on laboratory support to scientific staff conducting molecular microbiology research. The role supports projects focused on characterizing microbial communities from environmental and biological samples, including topsoil, subsurface environments, and mammalian gastrointestinal tracts. Research relies on high-throughput, PCR-based molecular techniques and requires a strong foundation in microbiology and molecular biology. The majority of work is laboratory-based, with responsibility for executing experiments using established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), contributing to SOP updates, maintaining quality standards, and communicating results to the research team.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform PCR reaction setup, execution, analysis, and troubleshooting.
• Conduct DNA/RNA manipulation and molecular biology assays.
• Prepare reagents and solutions, including molarity and dilution calculations.
• Operate common laboratory equipment such as balances, centrifuges, pipettes, and mixers.
• Maintain strict aseptic techniques and sterility.
• Execute controls and quality assurance procedures.
• Support high-throughput molecular workflows.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation in lab notebooks and spreadsheets.
• Assist with inventory control, supply management, and equipment upkeep.

Required Qualifications

B.S. degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related field with 1–2 years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience. Experience with a broad range of molecular biology techniques is required.

Technical

Skills:

Hands-on experience with PCR (setup, execution, troubleshooting), DNA/RNA handling and manipulation, chemistry fundamentals for solution preparation, and use of standard laboratory equipment. Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software is necessary.

Professional

Competencies:

Strong documentation and record-keeping practices, high attention to detail, and adherence to quality standards. The role requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, multitask, and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DNA and RNA extraction from complex samples (environmental or gastrointestinal).
• Experience working in DNA-free clean rooms.
• Quantitative PCR (qPCR) experience.
• Familiarity with high-throughput laboratory workflows.
• Experience working in BSL-2 laboratory environments.

Compensation & Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00/hour to $21.00/hour. A comprehensive benefits package is available to eligible employees.

Work Schedule

This position is for a standard 40-hour week. Programmatic needs may occasionally require modifications to this schedule, including overtime or work on a weekend or holiday to ensure the continuity of biological experiments. Individual work schedules will be determined by the project supervisor.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.