Research Technician II – Bassler Lab, Princeton University
We are currently looking for a highly motivated, adaptable, and curious Research Technician to work Dr. Bonnie Bassler’s lab at Princeton University. The Bassler Lab aims to understand how bacteria communicate and orchestrate group behaviors, including virulence and biofilm formation. This process, known as quorum sensing, relies on chemical “words” and enables populations of bacteria to regulate gene expression, and therefore behavior, on a community-wide scale. Through a range of approaches, Bassler and her team are providing insight into: intra-species, inter-species, and inter-domain communication; population-level cooperation; and the principles underlying signal transduction and information processing at the population and individual cell levels. One objective of Bassler’s team is to develop quorum-sensing interference strategies to combat pathogenic bacteria that use this process to regulate virulence. More information can be found on their website.
The Bassler Lab is highly collaborative and values the input and contribution of all lab members. The successful candidate will work with the P.I. and other lab members to carry out molecular, genetic, biochemical, and pharmacological studies of quorum-sensing pathways and their inhibition, protein function, and gene regulation. This position is focused on discovery, supporting research projects, and also involves light administrative responsibilities related to lab safety, ordering, and databases. This position will require flexible hours for occasional time course experiments. The Research Technician will directly support the science, contribute to papers, and thrive in a supportive, creative, and learning-focused environment.
We are open to considering candidates looking to stay within the lab at least 2-3 years before moving on to graduate or medical school, or candidates that are seeking a long-term, stable position who are passionate about contributing to the lab’s full research portfolio.
Depending on the prior experience of the applicant, we are open to considering candidates at a variety of levels for this role, based on the requirements below.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Work efficiently, independently as well as collaboratively, with postdoctoral fellows and graduate students in experiments focused on bacterial pathogens; including employing the following:
- Prepare and analyze purified proteins for biochemical studies, cloning, PCR, cell culture, protein expression, and standard basic molecular biology techniques
- Assay, evaluate, and characterize novel small molecule candidates as anti-microbials
- Assist with other support duties relating to lab management and operations as required
- Participate in laboratory group meetings and read literature applicable to the research area
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree with course work in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology is required
- Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate and carry out independent research is required
- At least 2 years of hands-on experience working in a research lab, with experience in:
- Basic molecular biology techniques, time-course assays, standard biochemical assays, and computer database usage
- Previous experience with any of the following standard molecular biological techniques is preferred but not necessary:
- Bacterial transformations and reporter assays, bacterial genetics, biochemistry, microtiter dish-based assays; comfort with data analysis; ordering of supplies
Skills and abilities:
- Flexibility to adapt to the science and research needs of the lab and its members
- Excellent listening, communication, and collaboration skills
- Ability to work both independently and as a team member while engaged in collaborative studies
- Able to learn complex tasks with instruction, and to use experience to perform a variety of new techniques
- Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise
Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.