Research Associate
Montana State University
Position Details Position Information Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25240 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Laura Jennings
laura.jennings@montana.edu
406-994-2649 Classification Title Research Professional Working Title Research Associate Brief Position Overview The Jennings Lab, part of the Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology at Montana State University, is seeking a skilled Research Associate/Lab Manager to conduct bacterial pathogenesis research and manage day-to-day laboratory operations. Position Number 4C0406 Department Microbiology & Cell Biology Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The successful candidate will be involved in both research and lab management, working directly with the Principal Investigator, Dr. Laura Jennings. The Jennings Lab studies bacterial factors that influence infection outcomes. The lab has two primary focus areas:
The influence of biofilm polysaccharides on host-pathogen interactions and vaccine escape. Epigenetics and programmed heterogeneity in drug-resistant bacteria.
The laboratory uses diverse microbiological, molecular, and biochemical techniques, as well as a mouse infection model, to answer key questions in bacterial pathogenesis. Research responsibilities include designing and optimizing protocols, analyzing and interpreting data, communicating findings, publishing research, and assisting with grant writing. Laboratory management duties include overseeing inventory and ordering, maintaining equipment, training students, and ensuring lab safety and regulatory compliance. Duties and Responsibilities Conduct experiments using microbiological, molecular, and biochemical techniques. Design and execute experiments to generate reproducible data, analyze data, and interpret results. Develop and optimize protocols for research activities. Communicate findings to faculty, staff, and the broader scientific community. Publish research in scientific journals and assist in grant writing. Oversee lab ordering, inventory management, and organization of bacterial strains. Maintain laboratory equipment to ensure functionality and safety. Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory techniques. Ensure laboratory safety and regulatory compliance. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Minimum bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or a related field. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Experience in microbiology and molecular biology research. Familiarity with techniques such as media preparation, bacterial culturing and enumeration, DNA sequencing, RNA/protein expression analysis, and bacterial genetic engineering is a plus. The Successful Candidate Will Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Strong organizational skills. Willingness to learn new research techniques. Effectively prioritize tasks and manage time with minimal supervision. Demonstrate enthusiasm for scientific research. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. This position has supervisory duties? Yes Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on January 21, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
laura.jennings@montana.edu
406-994-2649 Classification Title Research Professional Working Title Research Associate Brief Position Overview The Jennings Lab, part of the Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology at Montana State University, is seeking a skilled Research Associate/Lab Manager to conduct bacterial pathogenesis research and manage day-to-day laboratory operations. Position Number 4C0406 Department Microbiology & Cell Biology Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The successful candidate will be involved in both research and lab management, working directly with the Principal Investigator, Dr. Laura Jennings. The Jennings Lab studies bacterial factors that influence infection outcomes. The lab has two primary focus areas:
The influence of biofilm polysaccharides on host-pathogen interactions and vaccine escape. Epigenetics and programmed heterogeneity in drug-resistant bacteria.
The laboratory uses diverse microbiological, molecular, and biochemical techniques, as well as a mouse infection model, to answer key questions in bacterial pathogenesis. Research responsibilities include designing and optimizing protocols, analyzing and interpreting data, communicating findings, publishing research, and assisting with grant writing. Laboratory management duties include overseeing inventory and ordering, maintaining equipment, training students, and ensuring lab safety and regulatory compliance. Duties and Responsibilities Conduct experiments using microbiological, molecular, and biochemical techniques. Design and execute experiments to generate reproducible data, analyze data, and interpret results. Develop and optimize protocols for research activities. Communicate findings to faculty, staff, and the broader scientific community. Publish research in scientific journals and assist in grant writing. Oversee lab ordering, inventory management, and organization of bacterial strains. Maintain laboratory equipment to ensure functionality and safety. Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory techniques. Ensure laboratory safety and regulatory compliance. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Minimum bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or a related field. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Experience in microbiology and molecular biology research. Familiarity with techniques such as media preparation, bacterial culturing and enumeration, DNA sequencing, RNA/protein expression analysis, and bacterial genetic engineering is a plus. The Successful Candidate Will Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Strong organizational skills. Willingness to learn new research techniques. Effectively prioritize tasks and manage time with minimal supervision. Demonstrate enthusiasm for scientific research. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. This position has supervisory duties? Yes Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on January 21, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
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