Microbiology Laboratory Research Technician

Microbiology Laboratory Research Technician

The Kleiner Lab at North Carolina State University is seeking a Research Technician to support research focused on complex microbial communities, microbial symbioses, and metaproteomics. Reporting to the Kleiner Lab research team, this position contributes to the design, execution, and analysis of experiments that advance the lab's research program and generate findings for publications, conference presentations, and grant development. You will work in a dynamic, collaborative research environment where your technical expertise and attention to detail directly contribute to ongoing scientific projects.

Additionally, you will assist with laboratory management, including maintaining safety documentation and compliance, coordinating undergraduate research assistant schedules, and overseeing equipment purchasing, maintenance, and repair.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple concurrent research projects and coordinate day-to-day research activities.
• Cultivate and maintain bacterial cultures and perform molecular and biochemical assays.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret experimental data to support research objectives.
• Contribute to research outcomes through publications, conference presentations, and grant development.

Other Responsibilities:

• Depending on funding availability and project priorities, up to two weeks of travel per year may be required for project meetings, fieldwork, and the annual research group retreat.
• During fieldwork, the Research Technician will work as part of a small research team at agricultural research stations or marine field stations, supporting logistics, sample collection, and sample processing.

Qualifications:

Minimum Experience/

Education:

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Gene cloning for heterologous protein expression, protein purification, and enzyme assays.
• Operation of analytical HPLC and high-resolution, accurate-mass mass spectrometry systems for proteomics research, including instruments such as Thermo Exploris or Astral.
• Proteomics data analysis and basic Linux command-line skills for running bioinformatics tools.
• Fluorescence in situ hybridization, advanced microscopy, or related imaging techniques.
• Field research and/or ultracentrifugation using density gradients for subcellular fractionation.

Required License or Certification:

A valid NC Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire. A valid Driver's License must be maintained throughout employment.