Research Technician

A new translational infectious diseases research laboratory at Wayne State University is seeking a full-time Research Technician to serve as a founding lab member. The laboratory studies pathogen resistance mechanisms, bacterial pathoadaptation, and host-pathogen determinants of treatment failure, with an emphasis on building clinically relevant assays and reproducible translational workflows. This position is ideal for a highly organized, technically strong candidate who enjoys hands-on bench work, careful documentation, and helping establish new systems in a growing research program. Primary Responsibilities Perform molecular and microbiology workflows supporting translational infectious diseases studies Process bacterial cultures and research specimens using established biosafety and contamination-control procedures Support nucleic-acid workflows including extraction, qPCR setup, controls, and QC documentation Assist with assay development, workflow standardization, and SOP implementation Maintain strain inventories, freezer organization, reagent stocks, and equipment logs Document experiments, deviations, QC issues, and troubleshooting steps in a clear and reproducible manner Assist with sample accessioning, tracking, and chain-of-custody documentation Coordinate with collaborators, cores, and laboratory personnel on sample flow and project execution Contribute to data organization, figure preparation, and manuscript-supporting documentation as appropriate Help train students or junior personnel as the lab grows Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field Prior hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, or related translational research Experience with sterile technique, basic biosafety practices, and accurate laboratory record-keeping Demonstrated ability to follow detailed protocols and maintain high-quality documentation Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with the PI and collaborators Preferred Qualifications 2–5 years of research experience in an academic, clinical, public health, or biotechnology laboratory Experience with bacterial culture, nucleic-acid extraction, qPCR, or assay troubleshooting Experience working with human-derived specimens or clinically relevant workflows Familiarity with SOP development, QC logs, sample tracking systems, or regulated workflows Experience supporting multi-investigator or translational projects Interest in infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, or host-pathogen biology What We Offer Opportunity to serve as a founding member of a new translational infectious diseases lab Direct mentorship from the PI High level of ownership in building workflows and laboratory systems Exposure to clinically relevant, collaborative research Opportunities for professional growth, presentation, and authorship based on contribution Application Materials CV/resume Brief cover letter describing relevant technical experience, prior workflow ownership, and interest in the position #J-18808-Ljbffr Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences