Research Specialist

Lab And Research Specialist 2

The D'Souza Lab at Arizona State University seeks a full-time Research Specialist to support research on microbial ecology, bacterial interactions, and spatially structured microbial communities. The laboratory combines microbiology, microfluidics, fluorescence microscopy, quantitative imaging, and data analysis to study how bacteria compete, cooperate, and evolve.

The successful candidate will assist with laboratory experiments and day-to-day operations. Responsibilities will include bacterial culturing, media and reagent preparation, maintenance of strain and plasmid inventories, support for microscopy and microfluidics experiments, organization of laboratory supplies, ordering and inventory tracking, data organization, and maintenance of laboratory protocols and records. The position is well suited for a highly organized individual with strong laboratory skills and an interest in microbiology, microbial ecology, molecular biology, or quantitative biology.

Position Salary Range: $48,600.00 - $65,000.00 per year; DOE

Essential Duties:

• Prepare microbiological media, buffers, reagents, antibiotics, agar plates, and other laboratory materials.
• Culture, maintain, and archive bacterial strains using sterile technique and standard microbiological methods.
• Perform molecular biology procedures, including PCR, cloning, DNA purification, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, and sequencing preparation.
• Construct, validate, and maintain bacterial mutants, fluorescent reporter strains, plasmids, and other engineered strains.
• Assist with microbiology and cell biology experiments, including bacterial growth and competition assays, mutant phenotyping, fluorescence assays, and microscopy and microfluidic experiments
• Prepare experimental materials such as bacterial cultures, microscopy slides, agarose pads, and microfluidic devices.
• Support fluorescence microscopy and image acquisition following training.
• Maintain organized inventories of strains, plasmids, primers, reagents, and laboratory supplies.
• Organize research data, maintain laboratory records, and update protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Order, receive, organize, and track laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory work spaces in compliance with laboratory safety and university policies.
• Assist with routine equipment maintenance, calibration logs, scheduling of shared equipment, and basic troubleshooting.
• Support students with routine laboratory procedures and participate in laboratory meetings and general lab operations.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Research laboratory experience with microbiology or molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with bacterial culturing, sterile technique, and media preparation.
• Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy, image acquisition, or microfluidics is preferred.
• Strong organizational, record-keeping, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Excel, Google Sheets, or similar data management tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Interest in microbial ecology, bacterial interactions, or related biological research.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing the ASU Charter.

Working Environment:

• Work in a multidisciplinary research laboratory and office environment at Arizona State University.
• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting and/or laboratory, subject to extended periods of being in a stationary position, operating a computer and other office productivity machinery; required to move a moderate distance to perform work.
• Frequently moves up to 25 pounds for various needs.
• Regular activities require the ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to the resolution of conflicts.
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment before entering laboratories, such as a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, closed-toe shoes, and a respirator.

Department Statement:

Each year since 2016, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all eleven years the category has existed.

ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. To learn more about how Knowledge Enterprise is a place for your career to grow, visit Careers | Knowledge Enterprise | Arizona State University

Driving Requirement:

Driving is not required for this position.

Location:

Campus:
Tempe

Funding:

Grant Funded

Instructions to Apply:

Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities,…