Description

Department:

Location:
Health Sciences Center
Time Type:
Full time
Worker Type:
Regular
Job Req ID:
R107707
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. May require professional certification. Grade 4 (Hourly)
Position Description:

The University of Louisville School of Dentistry is seeking to hire a Research Technician I (Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases). This position supports research in molecular and cellular biology, with a primary focus on understanding the pathogenesis of oral pathogens, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis. The role requires proficiency in microbiology techniques, molecular cloning/genetic engineering, and transcriptomic approaches. Familiarity with immunological methods, host-pathogen interaction studies, and statistical analysis is highly beneficial.

The Research Technician will be responsible for conducting and validating experimental designs, developing sampling methods, and applying analytical techniques to support ongoing research projects. Responsibilities include accurate data collection, analysis, and presentation, as well as assisting in laboratory maintenance and organization. The position also involves reviewing scientific literature to update protocols, training other lab members in experimental procedures, and contributing to a collaborative and safe research environment.

This position also requires flexibility, as experiments with microorganisms may need to be performed at varying times to align with research needs.

This role is part of the Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases research group within the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Research activities: Review scientific journals and publications to provide updated protocols for ongoing projects under the PI's guidance. Assist in designing experiments, preparing materials, performing experiments according to established protocols, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting findings to the PI. Present results in an organized manner during weekly lab meetings and once per semester at departmental meetings, as requested by the PI.
• Flexibility and Punctuality in Research Activities: Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and flexibility in scheduling to ensure that time-sensitive microbiological experiments are initiated and completed on schedule in accordance with research protocols.
• Problem Reporting and Troubleshooting: Monitor ongoing experiments and laboratory operations, promptly report any irregularities or equipment malfunctions to the PI, and participate in troubleshooting to resolve issues.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Work collaboratively with other lab members to coordinate research initiatives, share resources, and ensure the smooth progress of ongoing projects.
• Training: Provide training and technical support for dental students, graduate students, and undergraduate visitors to the lab, ensuring that trainees follow laboratory safety standards and best practices.
• Inventory and Ordering: Maintain laboratory inventory, monitor supply levels, and ensure that orders are placed in advance to support uninterrupted research activities.
• Compliance and Safety: Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols, institutional policies, and regulatory guidelines, ensuring ethical conduct in all research activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in a related scientific field with at least a year of laboratory research experience, or a Master's degree (M.S.) in a related scientific field.
• Professional certification may be required depending on project needs.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience working with microorganisms, particularly bacteria.
• Knowledge of microbial genetics, including gene function and mutations.
• Understanding of host-pathogen interactions and basic immunological concepts.
• Prior experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, Western blotting, ELISA, qPCR, RNA sequencing).

Competencies

• Strong foundation in microbiological and molecular approaches to experimentation.
• Familiarity with biochemical and immunological methods relevant to host-microbe studies.
• Ability to critically analyze data, prepare reports, and present research findings.
• Strong sense of responsibility, punctuality, and ability to manage time effectively in conducting laboratory experiments.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.

Target Compensation Maximum:
$32.17
Target Compensation Minimum:
$21.45
Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Louisville is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University strives to provide equal employment opportunity on the basis of merit and without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or pregnancy. In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment Act of 1974, the University prohibits job discrimination of individuals with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, qualified special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans. The University acknowledges its obligations to ensure affirmative steps are taken to ensure equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of the University that no employee or applicant for employment be subject to unlawful discrimination in terms of recruitment, hiring, promotion, contract, contract renewal, tenure, compensation, benefits, and/or working conditions. No employee or applicant for employment is required to endorse or condemn a specific ideology, political viewpoint, or social viewpoint to be eligible for hiring, contract renewal, tenure, or promotion.

Assistance and Accommodations

Computers are available for application submission at the Human Resources Department located at 215 Central Avenue, Ste 205 - Louisville, Kentucky 40208.

If you require assistance or accommodation with our online application process, please contact us by email at employment@louisville.edu or by phone 502-852-6258.