Molecular Microbiologist/Assistant Professor

Murray-State-University; Murray (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA

Job summary

Murray State University seeks a Molecular Microbiologist/Assistant Professor to oversee the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory under the Microbiology Section. The role includes supervising staff, developing diagnostic assays, and ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will contribute to diagnostic service, teaching, and research, and engage in emerging technologies including NGS, bioinformatics, and CRISPR-based diagnostics.

Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology or related field required.
• Two years of relevant laboratory experience required.
• Strong communication and supervisory skills.
• Proficiency with common lab software and office tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory operations and ensure accurate molecular testing.
• Supervise and mentor laboratory personnel, manage staffing and scheduling.
• Develop and implement innovative diagnostic assays including NGS and CRISPR-based approaches.
• Ensure compliance with quality, biosafety, and accreditation standards (AAVLD/NAHLN/ISO).
• Lead collaboration with the Microbiology head on strategic plans and improvements.
• Provide teaching in AGR 400 Veterinary Microbiology and mentor students in molecular techniques.
• Present findings at local, national, and international meetings.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Communication

Organizational

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Microbiology

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The Molecular Microbiologist/Assistant Professor will oversee thedaily operations of the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory under thegeneral supervision of the Head of the MIcrobiology Section. Theposition is responsible for ensuring the timely, accurate, andhigh-quality performance and interpretation of molecular diagnostictesting supervising laboratory personnel; developing andimplementing innovative diagnostic assays; evaluating andoptimizing laboratory protocols; and ensuring compliance withapplicable quality, regulatory, biosafety, and biosecuritystandards.

The successful candidate will contribute to diagnostic service,teaching, research, and professional development activities withinthe Microbiology Section. The position will also support thedevelopment and implementation of emerging technologies, includingNext-Generation Sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics and CRISPR-baseddiagnostics applications.

• Oversee the performance, interpretation, and quality ofdiagnostic testing conducted within the Molecular MicrobiologyLaboratory.
• Manage daily laboratory operations, including workflowcoordination, staffing, scheduling, and prioritization ofdiagnostic activities.
• Supervise and provide leadership, training, mentoring, andperformance feedback to the Laboratory Technicians.
• Collaborate with the Head of Microbiology to develop andimplement strategic plans, operational processes, and continuousimprovement initiatives for the section.
• Develop, validate, optimize, and implement new moleculardiagnostic assays using emerging and cutting-edge technologies,including next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics-based sequenceanalysis and CRISPR-based approaches in developing diagnostictechnologies.
• Evaluate existing diagnostic protocols, methodologies,equipment, and materials and recommend modifications to improveaccuracy, efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop, review, and maintain laboratory procedures, policies,and technical protocols in accordance with current scientific andAAVLD/NAHLN/ISO standards.
• Ensure compliance with the laboratory's Quality ManagementSystem and applicable accreditation, regulatory, biosafety, andbiosecurity requirements, including AAVLD/NAHLN/ISO standards andother relevant accreditation programs.
• Participate in quality assurance and quality improvementactivities, including investigation of testing deficiencies,implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), andmonitoring of quality indicators.
• Maintain appropriate laboratory inventories and coordinateprocurement and management of reagents, supplies, equipment, andother resources.
• Provide instruction in AGR 400 Veterinary Microbiology lectureand laboratory practice within the Pre-Veterinary and Animal HealthTechnology curriculum.
• Teach, train, and mentor laboratory personnel and students inmolecular microbiology, diagnostic methodologies, laboratorysafety, and quality practices.
• Communicate with veterinarians, animal owners, laboratory andinstitutional staff, and food producers to interpret theresults.
• Contribute to the laboratory preparedness and responseactivities during foreign animal disease outbreaks to supportcritical diagnostic testing and protect animal health and theagricultural industry.
• Present diagnostic, research, and scientific findings at local,national, and international professional meetings.
• Conduct independent or collaborative research in areas relevantto molecular microbiology, diagnostic medicine, or other areas ofscientific interest within the section.
• Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewedscientific journals.
• Participate in special projects, method developmentinitiatives, and diagnostic research activities as assigned by theHead of Microbiology.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirements:

• PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, ora related field.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements:

• Two years of relevant laboratory experience required.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational,multi-tasking, and supervisory skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectivelywith multi-discplinary teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and othercommonly used laboratory or administrative software.

Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

• DVM or equivalent veterinary medical degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in molecular diagnostic assaydevelopment and validation.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologiesand applications in diagnostic microbiology.
• Experience with CRISPR-based diagnostic technologies.
• Experience with bioinformatics, genomic data analysis, andinterpretation of sequencing data.
• Experience implementing emerging molecular technologies in adiagnostic laboratory setting.
• Experience with laboratory accreditation, quality managementsystems, biosafety, and biosecurity programs.

Work Hours:

• May work additional hours or split shifts as necessary duringforeign animal disease outbreaks.
• Participate in assigned weekend and holiday duty rotations andprovide after-hours support during emergencies, seasonal workloadincreases, or other operational needs.

Physical Demands:

• Handling of hazardous materials and biologicalcontaminants
• Strong pungent odors

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA.