Research Specialist II

University Of Rochester Job Posting

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora
- Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location:

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:
Regular

Time Type:
Full time

Scheduled Weekly

Hours:

40

Department:
Urology M&D

Work Shift:

UR
- Day (United States of America)

Range: UR URG 109 H

Compensation Range: $26.90 - $37.66

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

This position works under the direction of Dr. Mike Neugent in the department of Urology. His research is focused on how the biochemical environment shapes the microbiome and the role the microbiome plays in the health of urologic patients. He's particularly interested in understanding its role in women's health, recurrent UTIs, and urologic malignancies. The successful candidate will directly develop, design and conduct projects utilizing genomics and metabolomics.

The position requires extensive experience in microbiology, specifically bacterial culture, isolation, and species-level identification from clinical samples under both aerobic and hypoxic conditions. The candidate will independently perform advanced genomic DNA extractions from low-biomass urologic samples, followed by library preparation for Illumina sequencing to support metagenomic analyses. Additionally, the role involves executing mammalian tissue culture experiments utilizing bladder epithelial cell lines to evaluate bacterial pathogenicity through adhesion, invasion, and LDH cytotoxicity assays.

Beyond experimental execution, the candidate must possess a strong background in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, and cDNA synthesis, along with a track record of developing and optimizing protocols for standardized lab use. Furthermore, the candidate will be responsible for clinical sample biobanking, maintaining detailed records, and streamlining laboratory workflows. Finally, the successful applicant will play a crucial leadership role.

This position is responsible for the orientation and training of new lab members, reviewing progress of experiments and evaluating results.

• Work both independently and as part of a team to formulate research methods, improving quality and implementing solutions to solve technical issues through learning new techniques and determining appropriate procedures and protocols. Has subject matter expertise in the urinary microbiome metagenomics, microbial culturing, and analytical biochemistry.
• Performs theoretical and experimental scientific and technological investigation directed toward the acquisition of new knowledge. Develops and installs laboratory operating procedures, develops and modifies test methods, selects procedures for data collection and handling, and makes recommendations for any changes.
• Collects, analyzes, and evaluates experimental data and interprets results within the scope of the study. Prepares written reports and graphic representations of experimental data using computer software and assists in writing and editing manuscripts for publication. May assist the faculty researchers in the preparation of research proposals. May also co-present results with Principal Investigator at meetings and/or conferences.
• Trains laboratory staff. Teaches lab techniques and instrumentation procedures to students, postdocs, and technical staff. Counsels on technical problems and advises and assists with special research projects. Orients all new lab members and ensures all health and safety procedures are…