Research Specialist

Job Profile:

Lab and Research Specialist 2

Job Family:

Lab and Research Support

Time Type:

Full time

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:
Provides technical lab support by independently performing basic lab and research-related tasks to ensure accurate research results that can expand on the knowledge of the field of study. Responsible for following lab safety standards.

Job Description:

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 workspaces 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, visitCareers | 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, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

• Cover letter
• Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.

Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.

Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

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ASU’s comprehensive benefits package is a key part of your total compensation. Visit the ASU Compensation Estimator

Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement:

A fingerprint check is not required for this position.