Adjunct Researcher - Physics & Astronomy - Rob Davis Research Lab

Job Title:

Adjunct Researcher
- Physics & Astronomy
- Rob Davis Research Lab

Posting End Date:
July 6, 2026

Position

Start Date:

September 2, 2026

Master’s degree in physics, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, materials science, or a closely related field, REQUIRED PhD in physics, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, materials science, or a closely related field, PREFERRED

The required degree must be completed by the start date.

• Demonstrated experience with nucleic acid handling, preparation, purification, characterization, or analysis.
• Ability to manage experimental workflows and maintain organized research records.
• Ability to train, supervise, and mentor undergraduate researchers in a laboratory setting.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work on campus in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

• Research experience in nucleic acid nanotechnology.
• Experience attaching DNA oligomers or other nucleic acid constructs to inorganic surfaces.
• Experience with RNA purification and quality assessment.
• Experience with nucleic acid characterization methods, such as gel electrophoresis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence-based assays, chromatography, qPCR, or related analytical techniques.
• Experience managing research projects or coordinating progress toward technical milestones.
• Experience supervising undergraduate research assistants.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, molecular biology, nanotechnology, and materials science.

• Manage day-to-day research activities for the Rob Davis Research Lab.
• Develop, implement, and troubleshoot experimental protocols.
• Prepare and purify RNA and related nucleic acid materials.
• Characterize nucleic acid constructs and surface-bound DNA oligomers.
• Analyze experimental data.
• Maintain accurate research records.
• Coordinate progress toward project milestones.
• Help direct undergraduate researchers: train students in laboratory methods, supervise day-to-day activities, mentor in experimental design and data analysis, ensure safety and compliance practices.

This position is expected to be performed on campus.

The successful candidate will relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.