Adjunct Research Support

University of New Hampshire

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Edington Lab at the University of New Hampshire is seeking an adjunct hourly research assistant to support research in biophysical chemistry and molecular spectroscopy. This role will contribute to ongoing studies of ion binding in chelators and related molecular systems. The assistant will be responsible for sample preparation, FTIR data collection, spectral processing, comparing experimental spectra with computational results, and preparing scientific graphics. This position requires careful laboratory technique, attention to detail, and the ability to learn specialized methods under supervision. The scope of responsibility is suitable for an undergraduate researcher, involving defined experimental and analytical tasks, record maintenance, and discussion of results with lab personnel and the Principal Investigator (PI). This position is not considered essential staff.

Requirements

Must have completed, or be currently enrolled in, introductory coursework in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, physics, or a related scientific field.
No prior laboratory research experience is required.
Ability to follow established protocols.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to work safely in a laboratory environment.
Ability to learn basic procedures for sample preparation, FTIR data collection, spectral processing, and scientific figure preparation after training.
Ability to follow written protocols and verbal instructions carefully and consistently.
Attention to detail in sample preparation, data collection, data processing, and recordkeeping.
Ability to work safely in a laboratory environment after appropriate training.
Basic scientific literacy in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, physics, or a related field.
Ability to learn specialized research methods, including FTIR spectroscopy, spectral processing, molecular visualization, and scientific graphics preparation.
Ability to organize experimental notes, data files, spectra, figures, and analysis outputs in a reproducible manner.
Basic quantitative reasoning skills sufficient to prepare samples, compare spectra, interpret trends, and check data quality.
Ability to communicate progress, questions, problems, and results clearly with the PI and other lab personnel.
Ability to accept feedback and revise experimental or analytical work accordingly.
Ability to work independently on defined tasks after training while recognizing when to ask for guidance.
Professional reliability, including punctuality, responsible handling of samples and data, and timely completion of assigned work.
Willingness to learn new software tools for data analysis, molecular modeling interpretation, and figure preparation.

Nice To Haves

Prior coursework in physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, computational chemistry, or related areas.
Prior laboratory research experience, especially involving solution preparation, spectroscopy, biomolecular samples, or quantitative analytical methods.
Experience with FTIR spectroscopy or other spectroscopic techniques.
Experience with data analysis software such as Python, MATLAB, Excel, Origin, Igor Pro, or similar tools.
Familiarity with molecular visualization, DFT calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, or computational chemistry outputs.
Experience preparing scientific figures, posters, presentations, or other research graphics.
Demonstrated ability to maintain organized research records, data files, and laboratory notes.
Interest in molecular structure, ion binding, spectroscopy, biophysical chemistry, or computational analysis.

Responsibilities

Prepare ion-chelator samples using established lab protocols and appropriate laboratory safety practices.
Maintain organized records of sample composition, preparation conditions, concentrations, pH, storage, and experimental notes.
Assist with routine laboratory organization related to assigned experiments, including proper labeling, documentation, and cleanup.
Collect FTIR spectra of apo and metal-bound chelator samples under supervision.
Process spectra using established workflows, including baseline correction, normalization, subtraction, peak identification, and comparison across related samples.
Maintain clear records of data acquisition parameters and processing decisions to support reproducibility.
Analyze spectral trends associated with ion identity, chelator structure, and binding behavior.
Compare experimental spectra with results from density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations.
Discuss preliminary interpretations with lab personnel and the PI, revising analyses as needed based on feedback.
Prepare clear scientific graphics for lab meetings, presentations, posters, manuscripts, and related research materials.
Organize experimental and computational results into figures, tables, and summaries suitable for internal discussion.
Participate in lab discussions and communicate progress, questions, and results in a professional and timely manner.