TES Research Associate
About The Position
The Harrison College of Pharmacy at Auburn University is seeking a temporary TES Research Associate to support a collaborative National Cancer Institute-funded UG3 project focused on natural product drug discovery for colorectal cancer prevention. The position contributes at the intersection of natural products chemistry, advanced analytical technologies, and cancer-prevention research in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. The successful candidate will join a research program focused on natural product drug discovery. The role offers opportunities to contribute to manuscripts, grant development, conference presentations, and collaborations in cancer prevention and natural products research. TES is an Auburn University Department of Human Resources unit that provides temporary employees to meet short-term staffing needs, including special projects, peak workloads, seasonal work, emergencies, and temporary coverage. Auburn University students are not eligible for TES.
Requirements
- A master's degree or Ph.D. in Natural Products Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field by the time employment begins.
- Strong research experience in natural products chemistry or organic chemistry, including compound isolation, purification, and structure elucidation.
- Experience with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and analytical characterization of compounds, including natural products.
- Hands-on experience with cell culture techniques and in vitro bioassays.
- Experience with oncoprotein and enzyme-based assays and biological activity evaluation.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Knowledge of natural products chemistry, analytical characterization, and bioactivity-guided research workflows.
- Ability to perform careful laboratory work, troubleshoot experiments, and maintain organized records.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, time-management, and attention-to-detail skills.
- Ability to communicate scientific information clearly and work productively with faculty, staff, trainees, and collaborators.
Responsibilities
- Perform liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based analysis of compounds such as natural products.
- Conduct bioactivity-guided evaluation of natural products using cell culture and LC-MS-based oncoprotein and enzyme assays.
- Investigate natural products with potential chemopreventive activity against colorectal cancer.
- Isolate, purify, and structurally characterize bioactive natural compounds.
- Maintain accurate experimental records; analyze, interpret, and communicate research findings.
- Contribute to manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and project-related reports.
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary investigators participating in the UG3 project.
- Follow applicable laboratory safety, research integrity, and institutional requirements.
Benefits
- Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
