Research Assistant

Job Summary

Project Overview: Because of climate change, there has been a significant rise in the risk of tick‑borne infections in animals and humans across the United States, intensifying the demand for reliable diagnostic methods. Our laboratory has developed a duplex, high‑throughput diagnostic assay utilizing Barcoded Magnetic Bead technology to detect two groups of tick‑borne pathogens from a single sample. The targeted pathogens include six tick‑borne species.

This cost‑effective, highly sensitive approach aims to deliver accurate results to veterinarians within a short five‑hour time frame from sample collection. The assay will be used for retrospective samples, making it suitable for both surveillance studies and routine clinical diagnostics. The proposed work is poised to have a lasting impact on the One Health triad, as animals can act as reservoirs of tick‑borne pathogens and can also disperse pathogen‑containing ticks to nearby and remote localities.

Project

Title:

Unifying Medicine and Veterinary Science:
Development of One Health Multiple Molecular Diagnostic Assay in Tick Pathogens

• Interest in ecology, biology, veterinary/public health, or molecular biology.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varied conditions.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow protocols.
• Previous lab or field experience is a plus, but not required.

• Experience as a research student in a laboratory or academic setting.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Veterinary Science, or a related life‑science field.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience with basic techniques (pipetting, sample preparation, aseptic technique).
• Fundamental knowledge of molecular biology methods such as PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and gel electrophoresis.
• Ability to follow detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) with high accuracy and consistency.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in experimental work and documentation.

• Perform nucleic acid extraction from blood and tick samples for pathogens such as Anaplasma, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, and Babesia.
• Assist with PCR/qPCR assays, including reagent preparation, plate setup, and basic instrument operation.
• Apply proper pipetting techniques with high accuracy and contamination control.
• Maintain sterile technique and follow biosafety procedures (BSL‑2 practices) for zoonotic pathogens.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of research, laboratory operations, data collection, and project activities.

Work Schedule:

Hours will vary.

• Competitive salaries, paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits.

Minimum: $17.50 Hourly

Maximum: $17.50 Hourly

Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The role requires frequent hand use, standing, walking, sitting, and occasional reaching, climbing, and stooping. Vision abilities required include close and color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus to monitor computer screens and instruments.

The work environment is a typical laboratory setting and may involve exposure to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, risk of electric shock, wet humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outdoor weather conditions, and loud noise levels from ventilation systems.

• Posting Number: TC00514
• Posting Date: 06/02/2026
• Close Date: 08/31/2026
• Open Until Filled:
  No

To secure employment, successful fulfillment of a background check, including a criminal records check, may be required. Western University of Health Sciences will extend a conditional offer of employment, subject to rescission if the background check reveals disqualifying information or if information is deliberately withheld or misrepresented. Non‑completion may impact ongoing employment of a current employee who received a conditional offer for the position.

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