Research Associate, Biology Fuqua Lab

Indiana University; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University Bloomington Fuqua Lab seeks a Research Associate to contribute to NIH-funded research on pterin-dependent regulation in proteobacterial systems. You will join a collaborative team focused on biofilm formation, host interactions, and integrative genomic analyses.

The position emphasizes protocol execution, data handling, and scholarly communication. Initial appointment is for one year with potential for renewal, based on performance and funding.

Qualifications

• Accurate and organized record keeping.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Receptivity to training and new techniques.
• Proficiency in written and oral communication.
• Problem solving and pro-active approach to preventing problems.
• Dependability and punctuality.
• Flexibility for research tasks and prioritization of experiments.

Responsibilities

• Learn, conduct and teach lab members key protocols (DNA purification, cloning, sequencing, PCR, bacterial transformation, cultivation, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot).
• Manage pterin grant meetings and exchanges between collaborating labs.
• Oversee laboratory operations and ordering.
• Participate in general lab task rotations.
• Prepare written summaries and present research at meetings and grant reports.

Skills

Record keeping

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Written and oral communication

Problem solving

Dependability

Task prioritization

Job description

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at [e-mail]

The Department of Biology is a large, unified department with strong undergraduate degrees, nationally-ranked graduate programs, and world-class research spanning the breadth of biological questions and experimental systems – from ecosystems to microbiology and developmental biology, from evolution to cell biology, from molecular biology to systems biology, bioinformatics, and genomics. It is always an exciting time for Biology – enormous advances in global genome analysis coupled with unprecedented developments in interdisciplinary research have made the 21st century the Century of Biology. For more information about the department, you can find it here: About: Department of Biology: Indiana University Bloomington.

The Fuqua Lab in the Department of Biology at Indiana University, Bloomington is seeking a Research Associate.

Our lab in the Microbiology section is focused on complex bacterial behaviors, including biofilm formation and host interactions, using the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens as a model. The overarching goal for this position is to make timely progress on our NIH grant entitled “Mechanisms of pterin-dependent regulation in proteobacterial systems” (Grant number R01 GM160733) which explores a new regulatory mechanism that controls biofilm formation we have discovered based on excreted metabolites called pterins (for details see Greenwich et al. 2024; PNAS , doi:10.1073/pnas.2319903121). The Fuqua lab research team is currently comprised of graduate students, a senior research scientist, and undergraduates. All members of our team contribute to the projects of other team members -this may include assistance with a research protocol, feedback on presentations, edits on manuscripts, and so on. The lab philosophy is that a collaborative and supportive research environment benefits everyone involved. We are seeking an individual to join this team, contribute to the lab in general, and further the goals of the NIH grant.

Basic Qualifications

Core job duties include:

(1) Learning, conducting and teaching other lab members our key research protocols. In the lab, this will include: DNA purification, Molecular Cloning, Gel Electrophoresis, DNA Sequencing, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Bacterial Transformation, Microbiological Cultivation, SDS - PAGE , Western Blotting. These and other experimental approaches will be applied as needed to the experimental plan for the pterin project. (2) Management of pterin grant meetings and material exchanges between collaborating laboratories. (3) Laboratory management and ordering. (4) Participation in general laboratory task rotations (5) Written summaries of research (for annual grant reporting and for manuscript preparation), and research presentations (lab meetings, grant meetings, and conferences).

Required skills

• Accurate and organized record keeping
• Ability to work in a team
• Receptivity to training and new techniques
• Proficiency in written and oral communication
• Problem solving and pro-active approach to preventing problems
• Dependability and punctuality
• Flexibility for research tasks and prioritization of experiments.

Preferred skills

• Molecular biology experience
• DNA sequence analysis
• Aseptic technique and microbiology
• Familiarity with data analysis and statistics

Working conditions:

Laboratory research with periods of intense focus and technical clarity. Organization, planning and record keeping for experiments are crucial and this work requires careful and deliberate effort. Effective communication between lab members is critical.

Timing and compensation

Applicant review will begin on June 1, 2026. The initial appointment is for one year, with reappointment contingent on performance and continued funding. Salary will be commensurate with experience and full benefits are included. Best consideration date is 6/16/26 and expected start date is 7/1/26.

For questions about the position, contact Clay Fuqua ([e-mail]).