Research Specialist II

University of Rochester • City of Rochester, NY

4d • $27 - $38 • Onsite

About The Position

This position works under the direction of Dr. Mike Neugent in the department of Urology. His research is focused on how the biochemical environment shapes the microbiome and the role the microbiome plays in the health of urologic patients. He’s particularly interested in understanding its role in women’s health, recurrent UTIs, and urologic malignancies. The successful candidate will directly develop, design and conduct projects utilizing genomics and metabolomics. The position requires extensive experience in microbiology, specifically bacterial culture, isolation, and species-level identification from clinical samples under both aerobic and hypoxic conditions. The candidate will independently perform advanced genomic DNA extractions from low-biomass urologic samples, followed by library preparation for Illumina sequencing to support metagenomic analyses. Additionally, the role involves executing mammalian tissue culture experiments utilizing bladder epithelial cell lines to evaluate bacterial pathogenicity through adhesion, invasion, and LDH cytotoxicity assays. Beyond experimental execution, the candidate must possess a strong background in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, and cDNA synthesis, along with a track record of developing and optimizing protocols for standardized lab use. Furthermore, the candidate will be responsible for clinical sample biobanking, maintaining detailed records, and streamlining laboratory workflows. Finally, the successful applicant will play a crucial leadership role. This position is responsible for the orientation and training of new lab members, reviewing progress of experiments and evaluating results.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with major course work in the field of assignment required.
• 2 years related experience in field of assignment required.
• Microbial culture (aerobic, microaerophilic, and anaerobic).
• Experience with generating and analyzing metagenomic data.
• Experience with mass spectrometry-based metabolomics.
• Extensive experience in microbiology, specifically bacterial culture, isolation, and species-level identification from clinical samples under both aerobic and hypoxic conditions.
• Independently perform advanced genomic DNA extractions from low-biomass urologic samples, followed by library preparation for Illumina sequencing to support metagenomic analyses.
• Executing mammalian tissue culture experiments utilizing bladder epithelial cell lines to evaluate bacterial pathogenicity through adhesion, invasion, and LDH cytotoxicity assays.
• Strong background in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, and cDNA synthesis, along with a track record of developing and optimizing protocols for standardized lab use.
• Clinical sample biobanking, maintaining detailed records, and streamlining laboratory workflows.
• Orientation and training of new lab members, reviewing progress of experiments and evaluating results.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or related field preferred.
• A year or more of post-baccalaureate academic work in field of assignment or a related field is desirable; or an equivalent combination of experience, training and education.
• Working knowledge of using analysis pipelines in R, python, and Linux based environments; preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work both independently and as part of a team to formulate research methods, improving quality and implementing solutions to solve technical issues through learning new techniques and determining appropriate procedures and protocols.
• Has subject matter expertise in the urinary microbiome metagenomics, microbial culturing, and analytical biochemistry.
• Performs theoretical and experimental scientific and technological investigation directed toward the acquisition of new knowledge.
• Develops and installs laboratory operating procedures, develops and modifies test methods, selects procedures for data collection and handling, and makes recommendations for any changes.
• Collects, analyzes, and evaluates experimental data and interprets results within the scope of the study.
• Prepares written reports and graphic representations of experimental data using computer software and assists in writing and editing manuscripts for publication.
• May assist the faculty researchers in the preparation of research proposals.
• May also co-present results with Principal Investigator at meetings and/or conferences.
• Trains laboratory staff.
• Teaches lab techniques and instrumentation procedures to students, postdocs, and technical staff.
• Counsels on technical problems and advises and assists with special research projects.
• Orients all new lab members and ensures all health and safety procedures are maintained.
• May supervise research and support personnel.
• Operates laboratory and experimental testing equipment and apparatus, including routine lab and equipment maintenance.
• Organizes laboratory and orders supplies.
• May maintain contact with outside vendors and technical representatives to coordinate routine maintenance on equipment.
• Keeps abreast of trends in field of interest by reading professional journals and attends/participates in weekly lab meetings, and, as appropriate, institutes and seminars.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level