Research Associate 1 - Hourly

Louisiana State University; United States; On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Background check

Tuition exemption for qualified staff

Employee discounts

Job summary

Louisiana State University invites applications for a Research Associate 1 in the Chen Lab within the Department of Biological Sciences. The role focuses on microbiology research, host-pathogen interactions, and independent literature-driven project work.

A BS in a related science and strong time-management skills are required. Responsibilities include experimental design, data recording, and collaboration with the team to publish findings.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, or related field with specific experience in Microbiology.
• Ability to design and control experiments and maintain accurate records.
• Strong English writing and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments and literature review; work semi-independently and with the team.
• Draft publications and deliver presentations on findings.
• Handle laboratory equipment safely and assist with general upkeep and safety compliance.
• Contribute to training and supervision of junior staff and students.

Skills

Time management

Project management

English communication

Experiment design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry/Biological Sciences

Tools

Mouse handling

Job description

Job Posting Title: Research Associate 1 - Hourly Position Type: Other Academic Department: LSUAM Science - BioS - Microbiology - Bacterial Pathogens (Chen Chen (00066453)) Work Location: A0621 Life Sciences Annex Pay Grade: Professional

Job Description: An NIH-funded lab research associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Chen in the Department of Biological Sciences at Louisiana State University (https://www.lsu.edu/science/biosci/faculty-and-staff/faculty-pages/chenchen.php). The Chen lab is seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and organized researcher. The Chen Lab studies how S. aureus manipulates host immune systems for pathogenesis and colonization. The successful candidate will need a BS in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, or a related field, be hardworking, and have good time and project management skills. They should have a particular interest in tackling fundamental questions regarding host-pathogen interactions.

Duties Include

• 80% Work semi-independently and collaboratively to develop knowledge of the literature in the subject area; design and control experiments for the above project, including animal handling and experiments, maintain accurate records of performed experiments and conclusions in line with the group’s expected standards; and meet agreed-upon deadlines.
• 10% Communicate research findings via drafting of publications arising from this work; and preparation and delivery of presentations about relevant research findings within the team.
• 5% Handle laboratory equipment safely and considerately, assist with general laboratory upkeep, report safety issues instantaneously, and comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety regulations.
• 5% Contribute to the day-to-day training and supervision of junior staff and undergraduate and/or graduate students within the Team (as appropriate).

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, or a related field with specific experience in Microbiology.

Job Competencies required

• Advanced in Academic integrity and rigor; Hard working; Honest and accurate reporting.
• Proficient in English skills, writing and verbal; communication skills; Critical thinking and problem solving; note and record keeping skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology with specific experience in mouse handling, experience with mouse models or willing to work with mouse models; time management and project management skills.

Preferred Skills

Posting Date: October 20, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified): February 17, 2027

This position is considered a safety and security-sensitive position. These positions are subject to drug screens per PS-67. This position is considered emergency essential and may be required to report to campus in times of emergency and closure per PS-18. This position is considered a research or research-related support position and must undergo screenings per RS:17.

Additional Position Information: Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance.

Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N): Y

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment.

Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding the position, please contact Lori Bond at [e-mail].

HCM Contact Information: For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.

LSU includes institutions, facilities and programs in each of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, and its campuses stretch the length of the state from New Orleans to Shreveport. Each institution plays a vital role in preparing students to incorporate new knowledge and technologies into their daily lives. LSU researchers across Louisiana are working on developing a wide-range of innovations to improve quality of life by studying issues such as disease management, advance medical treatments, obesity, coastal protection, hurricane preparedness, energy, natural resource management and agriculture, among others. Louisiana’s Flagship University is a land-, sea- and space-grant institution with academic programs in all areas of science, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences. The University comprises of nine institutions: Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (“LSU”), the premier flagship university for the state, which include the Paul M. Hebert Law Center and the School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University at Alexandria Louisiana State University at Eunice Louisiana State University at Shreveport LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans LSU Health Science Center – Shreveport The Health Care Services Division Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Pennington Biomedical Research Center Any other college, university, school, institution, or program now or hereafter under the supervision and management of the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College In implementing its mission, LSU is committed to: Offering a broad array of undergraduate degree programs and extensive graduate research opportunities designed to attract and educate highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students; Employing faculty who are excellent teacher-scholars, nationally competitive in research and creative activities, and who contribute to a world-class knowledge base that is transferable to educational, professional, cultural, and economic enterprises; and Using its extensive resources to solve economic, environmental, and social challenges.