The Bassler lab at Princeton University has an opening for a Research Technician II to aid in research projects exploring how bacteria communicate and orchestrate group behaviors using a process called quorum sensing. Quorum sensing controls behaviors including infectivity, biofilm formation, and bioluminescence. Bassler and her team aim to discover the basic science principles governing quorum sensing in multiple organisms as well as develop quorum-sensing interference strategies to combat pathogenic bacteria that use this process to regulate virulence. To learn more about the lab, visit their website: https://basslerlab.scholar.princeton.edu/

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Direct training and mentorship from both Dr. Bassler and senior researchers in the lab.
• The opportunity to learn new techniques and expand knowledge and skills in a lab equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
• A supportive lab culture that prioritizes inclusivity and collaboration.
• Opportunities to contribute to the team’s research, with potential for co-authorship on research publications.

What you’ll do:

• Directly work with a senior graduate student or post-doctoral fellow in their daily research endeavors.
• Be immersed in the dynamic life of the lab, getting the opportunity to learn a range of modern approaches used in microbiology research, potentially including, but not limited to:
• Microscopy
• Nucleic acid extraction and manipulation
• Protein purification and biochemical analyses
• Bacterial genetics and reporter assays
• Pharmacological studies
• data and prepare figures for presentations and publications.
• in preparation of manuscripts for publication.
• Participate in and contribute to lab group meetings and smaller subgroup meetings.
• With experience, train other team members in job tasks.
• Aid in lab management and support operations.

What you bring:

• A bachelor's degree in biological/life sciences or a related field is required.
• A minimum of two years of research experience.
• Microbiology research experience preferred, but not required.
• Flexibility to adapt to the science and research needs of the lab and its members, as well as excellent listening, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, as well as ability to learn complex tasks with instruction, and to learn to perform a variety of new techniques, actively seeking opportunities to increase skills and expertise.
• Depending on the prior experience of the applicant, candidates at a variety of levels, based on the requirements below, will be considered.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: Research Technician II $21.58 (minimum)- $26.97 (midpoint)- $35.06 (maximum)

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer