Biological Sciences Researcher II - 529701

Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $56,600 - Midpoint: $73,600 (Salaried E9)

Department/Organization: 204411 - Biological Sciences

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary: The Biological Sciences Researcher II oversees biological sciences research projects and assumes responsibility for the day-to-day activity supporting project. Makes significant contributions to the planning and design of research and creative projects. Assists in short- and long-term planning and project goals. May assist with research and creative proposals and dissemination of project findings.

Additional Department Summary: We are seeking a Biological Sciences Researcher II to work in a microbiology research laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences. Research in this laboratory is focused on host-microbe interactions in the respiratory tract using in vitro models to evaluate bacteria in single and multi-species model communities, or in co-culture with epithelial cells. Researcher will oversee microbiology research projects and assume responsibility for the day-to-day activity supporting these projects. Researcher will perform laboratory procedures related to molecular biology, cell biology and microbiology and will be expected to set up and perform established procedures in support of lab goals with minimal supervision. Position will require the individual hired to collect, enter, and summarize data, as well as monitor results and report outcomes. Position will be expected to develop critical thinking skills to contribute to the design and undertaking of experiments and play a role in teaching and supervising junior laboratory members, as well as ordering and maintaining a laboratory supply inventory. Researcher will be expected to make significant contributions to the planning and design of research and creative projects in the laboratory and assist in short- and long-term planning and project goals. Additionally, the Researcher may assist with research and creative proposals and dissemination of project findings.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of biological sciences or closely related research experience; OR master's degree and two (2) years of biological sciences or closely related research experience; OR doctoral degree and some biological sciences or closely related research experience. Post-Baccalaureate degree is highly preferred (Master’s degree or higher).

Skills and Knowledge: Experience with sterile technique for culture of bacteria and human cell lines. Skilled in making defined culture media for growth of a variety of bacteria. In vitro culture and genetic manipulation of a variety of bacterial species. Ability to perform bacterial biofilm assays to assess biomass and enumerate viable cells. Ability to perform minimal inhibitory concentration assays and analyze antibiotic susceptibility profiles for bacterial clinical isolates. Isolate a variety of bacteria from clinical samples and mixed-species infections. Carry out genomic DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, and cloning to support recombinant genetics studies in bacteria. Analysis of next-generation sequencing datasets to identify antimicrobial resistance genes. Cell culture techniques for establishing and maintaining air-liquid interface epithelial cultures. Ability to carry out detailed infection protocols in airway epithelial cell model systems. Superior written and oral presentation skills. Experience in training and supervising junior laboratory members. Willingness to work both as a team member and individual. Ordering in university procurement systems.

Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience with bacterial biofilms, in vitro assays to evaluate microbe-microbe interactions, and genetic manipulation in Staphylococcus aureus or related gram-positive bacteria is preferred.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Advertised: 16 Jun 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 23 Jun 2026 Central Daylight Time

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