Research Assistant

Staff Research Assistant – University of Oklahoma

Posted on: October 02, 2025

Description:

The central hypothesis of the Dalebroux lab is that Bacteroides outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) directly and indirectly contribute to protection against Clostridioides difficile (Cdif) infection within the human intestine. We predict that Bacteroides respond to environmental signals and the presence of Cdif by deploying OMVs that carry contents which antagonize Cdif toxin production and growth, while promoting beneficial immune responses that prevent Cdif expansion.

Here, we employ techniques in bacteriology, biochemistry, molecular biology, eukaryotic cell culture and genetics to define the environmental signals that cue specific OMV production by Bacteroides and discern bacterial molecules within these OMVs that influence gut homeostasis and dysbiosis during health and disease as it relates to Cdif infection.

Duties:

• This position will involve working with Biosafety Level 2 microbes that pose a moderate potential threat to personnel or the environment. The work will entail applying sterile technique and the appropriate biohazard precautions to culture Bacteroides species and Clostridioides difficile under microaerophilic and anaerobic conditions.
• Routine tasks will include preparing culture media and reagents, rinsing glassware, and autoclaving media and plastic wares.
• Calculations of molarity, concentration, and dilutions will be frequent.
• The work will require regular use of slow and high-speed centrifuges for collecting bacteria and isolating their secreted vesicles from culture supernatants.
• Molecular biology, chemistry, and biochemistry techniques such as mechanical and chemical lysis of bacteria, membrane isolation, protein quantification, SDS-PAGE, glycolipid extraction and staining, and lipid extraction and analysis by thin-layer chromatography will be performed consistently.
• Provides assistance to a research staff by collecting data, keeping records, conducting literature searches, technical research, analyzing data, and preparing reports with minimal supervision.
• Conducts research and laboratory analysis for research staff, to include but not limited to measure and weigh compounds and solutions, isolate, identify and prepare specimens, and collect samples and other research information.
• Collects various forms of data pertaining to the research project or projects, which could include database information and/or hard files. Conducts data analyses, interprets data, draws conclusions, and discusses with principal investigator.
• Keeps detailed logs of all research related projects or activities.
• Prepares various reports containing descriptive, analytical, and evaluative content that may be submitted for publication.
• Constructs tests or assists in the construction of tests.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a Biological Science, Chemistry, Physical Science, Healthcare, Psychology, or related field.
AND:

• 12 months research laboratory experience

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months equivalent experience in lieu of the Bachelor's Degree for a total of 60 months research experience.

Skills:

• Working knowledge of how to safely handle and dispose of biohazardous materials or chemicals following Federal, State, and University regulations and guidelines.
• Detail oriented.
• Ability to analyze data and keep records.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

Certifications: None.

Working Conditions:

• Physical:
  • Standing for prolonged periods.
  • Manual dexterity.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Reaching, bending, and stooping.
• Environmental:
  • Laboratory Environment.
  • Exposure to biohazardous materials, chemicals, odors, and carcinogens.

• Experience with aseptic technique and pipetting are desired.
• The project also entails working with and maintaining eukaryotic tissue cultures of several immortalized human cell lines and primary cells. Assays will include cytotoxicity measurements, ELISA, and Western Blotting.
• The project will benefit from a detail oriented, and task driven laboratory bench scientist…