What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Specialist position at Stowers Institute for Medical Research?
The Stowers Institute for Medical Research is seeking a Research Specialist to join the Mashruwala Lab. Our lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying quorum-sensing regulated cell death (RCD) - a newly discovered bacterial behavior that shares features with programmed cell death in higher organisms. Through our research, we aim to uncover clues to guide studies of cell death in humans and explore avenues for new therapies.
Role & Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will play a key role in advancing the lab’s research goals by conducting interdisciplinary studies in bacterial genetics, high-throughput imaging, and molecular biology. We are looking for someone with a deep passion for scientific discovery, strong problem-solving abilities, and a creative approach to overcoming research challenges. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment is highly valued.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading scientific projects and collaborating with cross-campus technology groups in areas like microscopy, computational biology, proteomics, and Next-gen sequencing.
- Conducting experiments using a range of techniques, including genetic editing in bacteria, fluorescence microscopy (wide-field and confocal), molecular biology (western blots, RNA-Seq etc.) and protein expression/purification.
- Analyzing and visualizing data, and actively participating in group meetings, local seminars, and national conferences to present research findings.
- Assisting in the writing and editing of grants and research publications.
- Contributing to laboratory management tasks such as inventory maintenance and EHS documentation coordination.
- Training junior lab members in key experimental techniques.
Minimum Qualifications:
- MS (with at least 3 years of relevant research experience) or PhD in a relevant field such as Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or Chemical Biology.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Hands-on experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, imaging, and/or microbiology.
- Proficiency in scripting languages such as R or Python is highly desirable.
- Expertise in analyzing and visualizing large-scale datasets (e.g., RNA-Seq, HTS-imaging data).
- Strong self-motivation, communication, organizational, and writing skills.
- Detail-oriented, capable of multitasking, and demonstrating tenacity in research.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should compile the following application materials into a single PDF and name it using the format: LastName_Year_RSpecialistApplication.
Submit applications to: careers@stowers.org
Application materials:
- Cover letter
- Statement of career goals and research interests
- Summary of prior research experience
- Curriculum vitae (including a publication list, if applicable)
- Copy of MS or PhD thesis
- Unofficial college transcripts
- Contact information for three professional references will be required following a pre-screen.
