Microbiology Laboratory Research Technician

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

FSA

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

North Carolina State University’s Kleiner Lab is seeking a Microbiology Laboratory Research Technician to support research on complex microbial communities and metaproteomics. You will design, execute, and analyze experiments and help with publications and grant development.

You will maintain safety documentation, coordinate undergraduate researchers, and oversee equipment purchasing and maintenance in a collaborative lab setting.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
• Gene cloning for heterologous protein expression, protein purification, and enzyme assays.
• Operation of analytical HPLC and high-resolution mass spectrometry for proteomics research, including Thermo Exploris or Astral.
• Proteomics data analysis and basic Linux command-line skills for running bioinformatics tools.
• Fluorescence in situ hybridization, advanced microscopy, or related imaging techniques.
• Field research and/or ultracentrifugation using density gradients for subcellular fractionation.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple concurrent research projects and coordinate day-to-day research activities.
• Cultivate and maintain bacterial cultures and perform molecular and biochemical assays.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret experimental data to support research objectives.
• Contribute to research outcomes through publications, conference presentations, and grant development.

Skills

Gene cloning

HPLC

Mass spectrometry

Proteomics analysis

Linux CLI

FISH

Advanced microscopy

Field research

Ultracentrifugation

Job description

Job Posting Information

Posting Number: PG195197SP

Internal Recruitment: No

Working Title: Microbiology Laboratory Research Technician

Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience ($45,000 - $47,746)

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: Plant & Microbial Biology

About the Department: The Kleiner Lab studies plant and animal microbiomes using a diversity of cultivation-dependent and independent approaches. We seek to understand how functional interactions between organisms lead to beneficial or detrimental outcomes for the host. One of the core approaches that we use is high-resolution mass spectrometry-based metaproteomics. The Kleiner Lab is part of the NCSU Chancellor's Excellence Cluster on Microbiomes and Complex Microbial Communities, which provides a vibrant community of researchers at NCSU and frequent exchanges with the community across campus. The Kleiner Lab is involved in collaborative research at NCSU, nationally, and internationally.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

The Kleiner Lab at North Carolina State University is seeking a Research Technician to support research focused on complex microbial communities, microbial symbioses, and metaproteomics. Reporting to the Kleiner Lab research team, this position contributes to the design, execution, and analysis of experiments that advance the lab's research program and generate findings for publications, conference presentations, and grant development.

You will work in a dynamic, collaborative research environment where your technical expertise and attention to detail directly contribute to ongoing scientific projects. Additionally, you will assist with laboratory management, including maintaining safety documentation and compliance, coordinating undergraduate research assistant schedules, and overseeing equipment purchasing, maintenance, and repair.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple concurrent research projects and coordinate day-to-day research activities.
• Cultivate and maintain bacterial cultures and perform molecular and biochemical assays.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret experimental data to support research objectives.
• Contribute to research outcomes through publications, conference presentations, and grant development.

If you are a detail-oriented and collaborative researcher who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, managing multiple priorities, and contributing to meaningful scientific discovery, this is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the Kleiner Lab's research and day-to-day operations. Your technical skills, organization, and commitment to high-quality research will help advance projects investigating the complex interactions within microbial communities.

Other Responsibilities

• Depending on funding availability and project priorities, up to two weeks of travel per year may be required for project meetings, fieldwork, and the annual research group retreat.
• During fieldwork, the Research Technician will work as part of a small research team at agricultural research stations or marine field stations, supporting logistics, sample collection, and sample processing.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Gene cloning for heterologous protein expression, protein purification, and enzyme assays.
• Operation of analytical HPLC and high-resolution, accurate-mass mass spectrometry systems for proteomics research, including instruments such as Thermo Exploris or Astral.
• Proteomics data analysis and basic Linux command-line skills for running bioinformatics tools.
• Fluorescence in situ hybridization, advanced microscopy, or related imaging techniques.
• Field research and/or ultracentrifugation using density gradients for subcellular fractionation.

Required License or Certification

• A valid NC Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.
• A valid Driver's License must be maintained throughout employment.

Valid NC Driver's License required: Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?: No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date: 09/03/2026

Earliest Close Date: 09/11/2026

Position Details

Position Number: 00112299

Position Type: SHRA

Position Classification Band Title: Research Technician

Position Classification Band Level: Journey

Position Classification Salary Range: $ 34,320 - $ 72,734

Salary Grade Equivalency: MH06

Alternate Option: If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.00

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Mandatory - Hazardous Material Incidents, Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure

Time Limited Position: No

Department Id: 110801 - Plant & Microbial Biology

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.