Research Associate - Fletcher Lab

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Retirement programs

Paid time off

Holiday benefits

Tuition assistance

Job summary

NC State University’s Fletcher Laboratory invites a Research Associate to lead projects on the growth, physiology, colonization, and pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus. You will study host-microbiome interactions in dairy contexts, manage lab operations, grants, and compliance, while mentoring students and trainees.

The role emphasizes independent leadership, collaboration across departments, and rigorous experimental design with biosafety oversight.

Qualifications

• PhD with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience.
• Experience in eukaryotic cell biology, microbiology, genetics.

Responsibilities

• Characterize growth and biofilm dynamics of S. aureus strains; perform mouse intestinal colonization studies.
• Perform molecular biology assays including PCR, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and electrophysiology/TEER.
• Analyze -omics data (RNA-seq, metabolomics, 16S, metagenomics) across samples.
• Isolate and characterize S. aureus strains and bacteriophages from diverse sources.
• Lead research projects from conception to completion and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Microbiology

Mouse handling

Education

PhD with 3+ years postdoc

Tools

PCR

qRT-PCR

Western blot

Cloning

Mutagenesis

TEER

Job description

Posting Information

Working Title: Research Associate - Fletcher Lab

Anticipated Hiring Range: $60,000

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday,8 AM- 5 PM

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: Department of Population Health and Pathobiology

The Fletcher Laboratory is in the Department of Population Health and Pathobiology at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The CVM is a dynamic community whose members are dedicated to preparing veterinarians and veterinarian scientists while advancing animal and human health from the cellular level through entire ecosystems. The college has gained international recognition on the strength of its teaching, research, engagement, and patient care efforts and is ranked third among the nation's 28 colleges of veterinary medicine in the current U.S. News & World Report survey. The college is committed to practicing inclusivity, making community a priority, and promoting innovation. We embrace effective leadership and we champion personal and professional growth.

Located on 180 acres near downtown Raleigh, the college encompasses 20 buildings on the main Centennial Biomedical Campus. Instruction is in three departments-Clinical Sciences, Molecular Biomedical Sciences, and Population Health & Pathobiology. In addition to the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, there are programs leading to master and doctoral degrees in several areas with numerous opportunities for specialization.

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

As the Research Associate in the Fletcher Laboratory, you will independently lead research projects investigating the growth, physiology, colonization, and pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus. Your research will examine microbial interactions within the host gut microbiota and the bovine and caprine mammary environments, contributing to a greater understanding of bacterial behavior and host-pathogen interactions. In addition to directing research activities, you will support the laboratory's scientific operations through laboratory management, grant and manuscript development, regulatory compliance, and mentorship of junior researchers and trainees.

Key Responsibilities

• Experimental Execution & Physiology: Characterize growth and biofilm dynamics of laboratory, clinical, and mutant strains of S. aureus. Perform murine intestinal colonization experiments to evaluate host-pathogen-microbiome interactions. Collect milk samples from dairy animals and conduct downstream analysis.
• Molecular & Cell Biology: Construct site-directed mutants and perform phenotypic characterization. Execute molecular biology assays including PCR, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and electrophysiology/TEER assays.
• Omics & Microbiome Analysis: Perform and analyze -omics datasets, including RNA-seq, metabolomics, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and metagenomics across clinical, host, and environmental samples.
• Isolate & Phage Discovery: Isolate and characterize S. aureus strains and bacteriophages from clinical, animal, milk, and environmental samples.
• Independently manage and drive research projects through to completion.

Scientific Writing & Reporting

• Draft, write, and revise peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts.
• Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in drafting, editing, and assembling grant proposals and progress reports.

Mentorship & Supervision

• Directly mentor and train junior laboratory personnel, including undergraduate students, graduate students, veterinary summer scholars, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Provide technical guidance in experimental design, protocol execution, and data analysis.

Regulatory Compliance & Biosafety

• Maintain updated documentation, renewals, and protocol compliance for Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) paperwork.
• Manage Environmental Health and Safety Assistant (EHSA) paperwork, chemical/biological inventories, and laboratory safety compliance.

Laboratory Operations & Biobank Management

• Curate and maintain the lab's clinical isolate strain collection and phage biobank.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory ordering, vendor communications, and operational budget tracking.

If you are a collaborative researcher who enjoys leading scientific investigations, advancing microbiological research, and mentoring the next generation of scientists, we welcome you to apply.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• PhD with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience
• Experienced in eukaryotic cell biology, microbiology, genetics

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

• Extensive Molecular Biology & Assays: Proficient in PCR, qRT-PCR, Western blot, cloning, mutagenesis, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, and electrophysiology (TEER).
• Animal & Microbiology Research: Experienced in working with S. aureus, mouse handling and husbandry, and dairy cattle/cow research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Independent Leadership: 3+ years in an independent research position.
• Funding & Track Record: Proven record of securing external funding alongside a strong publication record as first and last author.
• Mentorship: Experience in mentoring junior trainees and laboratory personnel.
• Previous publication of multiple peer-reviewed research articles as first author

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

No

Commercial Driver's License required

No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date: 11/04/2026

Anticipated Close Date: 11/18/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.

Position Details

Position Number: 00112418

Position Type: EPS/SAAO

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

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID: 196001 - Department of Population Health and Pathobiology

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.