What are the responsibilities and job description for the Founding Research Technician/Lab Manager - Translational Infectious Diseases Laboratory position at Wayne State University?
Position Summary
A new translational infectious diseases research laboratory at Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 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
- Contact information for 3 references
- Email materials to cody.black2@wayne.edu
Pay: $58,000.00 - $64,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Bachelor's (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $58,000 - $64,000