Research Associate 2 Part Time (Hourly)

Louisiana State University; Tennessee; On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition exemption

Paid holidays

Job summary

Louisiana State University seeks a Research Associate 2 to advance microbial pathogenesis research. The role focuses on host-microbe interactions using in vitro and in vivo methods, with emphasis on gut microbes and infectious disease mechanisms.

You’ll manage lab accounts, help train staff, design assays, and support data analysis and scientific communication across articles and posters. This is a part-time hourly position with strong project impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological or Biomedical Sciences required.
• 1 year of experience in microbiology and host-microbe interaction experiments.
• Strong molecular biology skills and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• 50% Manage lab accounts, purchases, and lab organization; proper waste handling.
• 30% Train new lab personnel and assist ongoing projects; prepare data and manuscripts.
• 20% Design and perform assays in microbiology, cell culture, and in vivo/in vitro experiments.

Skills

Microbiology techniques

Molecular cloning

DNA sequencing

RT-qPCR

Bioinformatics

Scientific writing

Lab maintenance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological or Biomedical Sciences

Master's degree in Microbiology or correlated areas

Tools

Lambda Red mutagenesis

PCR machines

DNA sequencing equipment

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Research Associate 2 Part Time (Hourly)

Position Type:

Other Academic

Department:

LSUAM Science - BioS - Microbial Physiology (Cristiano G Moreira (00083230))

Work Location:

0124 Life Sciences Building

Pay Grade:

Professional Hourly

Job Description

The candidate will develop projects in Microbial pathogenesis and help the group to advance in Microbial-host interaction during in vitro and in vivo experiments. Mostly gut microbes are employed in the laboratory to investigate mechanisms that cause infectious diseases. The work will involve independent literature searches on bacterial pathogenesis, and applying both molecular microbiology and microbe-host interactions to understand new mechanisms and development of future treatments for bacterial diseases.

Duties include

• 50% Manage Lab Accounts and laboratory purchases, maintenance of lab bacterial collection, general organization of the laboratory, conduct lab cleaning with the other lab members, equipment management, and proper waste of chemicals and lab contaminants.


• 30% Guide and organize training with new Laboratory personal both students and researchers, assist other lab members and projects in the laboratory, help on experimental preparation, data analysis, and writing on distinct scientific communication formats such as articles, posters, and novel protocols.


• 20% Design and perform assays in Microbiology, basic bacterial cultures, sterilization protocols, keep cell cultures, in vitro and in vivo experiments related to host-microbe interaction, perform molecular experiments such as lambda red mutagenesis, protein recombinant constructions, general DNA and RNA extraction/analysis, protein analysis, genomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and other necessary research experience needed to study microbial pathogenesis and bacterial chemical communication. Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological or Biomedical Sciences.


• 1 year of experience in general microbiology with bacterial cultures, sterilization protocols, keep cell cultures lines, in vitro and in vivo experiments related to host-microbe interaction, perform molecular experiments such as lambda red mutagenesis, protein recombinant constructions, general DNA and RNA extraction/analysis, protein analysis, genomics and related methods in Microbial pathogenesis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Microbiology or correlated areas.


• Specific experience in advanced protocols in Molecular Microbiology and Bioinformatics.

Required Job Competencies

The candidate is expected to possess hands-on experience with at least some (if not all) of the following laboratory skills: microbiology, molecular cloning, plasmid construction, DNA sequencing, quantitative RT-PCR, RNA analysis, Protein analysis, and general bioinformatic tools.

Experience in research laboratory routine with distinct projects, proficient in Microbiology methodologies, basic molecular biology assays, high organization skills, experience in managing laboratory accounts, and ordering experience is preferable, but not required.

Proficient in basic molecular biology methods and scientific knowledge. Advanced in managing different research projects, personal skills, and oral and written communication (English). Beginner in Accounting.

Additional Job Description

Skills Needed

Preferred Skills

Posting Date

September 17, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified)

January 15, 2027

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):

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.

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.