POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research Associate III (RA3) position is responsible for independently performing Molecular Microbiology and Synthetic Biology projects with a strong emphasis on bacteriophage engineering and characterization. The scientist will manage phage-focused experimental pipelines, maintain timelines aligned with project deliverables, and contribute to multiple ongoing initiatives with minimal supervision.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field required; or an Associates of Arts degree with two to five years of related work experience required; or a master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology with a minimum of one year of experience required. Hands-on laboratory experience, preferably in an independent project preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in bacteriophage propagation, engineering, and host-phage interaction studies.
• Ability to plan, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments independently with minimal day-to-day oversight.
• Strong organizational skills to track progress across multiple projects and report outcomes to investigators.
• Must be able to operate standard laboratory equipment such as balances, centrifuges, speed vac, spectrophotometer, and autoclave.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory safety procedures.
• Strong computer aptitude, including experience with word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Must be able to read, comprehend and discuss relevant literature with co-workers.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Flexibility to handle a variety of tasks and shift priorities simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and external contacts; ability to work as an effective team member.
• Cooperative and service-oriented attitude; must be able to work under pressure and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Ability to use sound judgment to effectively solve problems within the scope of the position.
• Shows initiative and has the ability to work with moderate supervision.
• Superior verbal and written communications skills.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs basic and specialized molecular biology techniques towards the engineering of synthetic bacteriophages and bacterial genomes with limited supervision of the scientific investigator. Desired experience with the following techniques: Gibson assembly, CRISPR/Cas, TAR assembly, primer design, PCR, restriction/modification enzymes, plasmid preparations, nucleic acid preparations and purification, cloning and subcloning into yeast and E. coli, electroporation of bacteria, aseptic technique, bacteriophage propagation and purification, His-tagged protein purification and other general Microbiology and Molecular Biology techniques.
• Maintains stocks of all reagents necessary for above techniques.
• Keeps accurate written records and biological stocks representing work performed.
• Performs daily maintenance of equipment for associated techniques.
• Interacts with Investigators on experimental planning and analysis.
• Participates in laboratory meetings.
• Assists in the organization of team activities and the training of Research Associates (I and II’s).
• Safety training of new personnel
• Ensuring chemical inventory and general lab safety and environmental aspects
• Overseeing removal of the biological waste
• Performs other related tasks as assigned.
• Strictly adheres to all documented JCVI policies and procedures to include carrying out all functions required of Institute employees (i.e., maintaining a current and accurate laboratory notebook, completion of timesheets and effort surveys in an accurate and timely manner).

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic)
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.
• Ability to stand and/or sit for an extended period of time while working in the lab

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach, stoop kneel to install computer equipment
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer and lab work
• Light to moderate lifting is require