Research Specialist

Professor Andrea L. Graham seeks a Research Specialist to join her laboratory in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. The Graham Group’s research interests include immune cell and parasite dynamics within hosts, parasite transmission between hosts, and, more generally, the evolutionary ecology of immunity, infection, and disease. The group mostly studies mammalian hosts, both in the lab and in the field.

The responsibilities of the Research Specialist will include diverse activities including: planning and execution of experiments, including sampling of vertebrate animals indoors and outdoors, in collaboration with group members; animal husbandry; coordination of the maintenance of outdoor mesocosms; development and execution of immunoassays; parasite and microbe quantification; cell culture; extraction and analysis of DNA and RNA; supervision of technical aspects of undergraduate projects; curation of field sample collections; and laboratory workspace optimization and management (e.g., providing safety and technical training for new personnel, ordering supplies, preparing reagents, and arranging maintenance and repair of equipment). The split between experiments, data collection, and project/lab management activities will be roughly 30/40/30% of the time.

We will begin evaluating applications on March 3, 2025, but consideration of applications will continue until the post is filled.

• Experiments, with duties and responsibilities including:
  • Planning and execution of experiments, including sampling of vertebrate animals indoors and outdoors, in collaboration with group members
• Data collection, with duties and responsibilities including:
  • Development and execution of immunoassays; parasite and microbe quantification; cell culture; extraction and analysis of DNA and RNA; supervision of technical aspects of undergraduate projects
• Project/lab management, with duties and responsibilities including:
  • Animal husbandry; coordination of the maintenance of outdoor mesocosms; curation of field sample collections; and laboratory workspace optimization and management (e.g., providing safety and technical training for new personnel, ordering supplies, preparing reagents, and arranging maintenance and repair of equipment).

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate field of science, plus at least 2 years of research experience in immunology, field ecology, parasitology, physiology, and/or cell biology; an alternative but equivalent combination of education and experience in those fields would also work well.
• Animal handling experience is essential.
• Ability to work independently as well as to lead a team, attention to detail in both labwork and fieldwork, and meticulous record-keeping are paramount.
• Strong organizational skills and excellent communication skills are essential.
• Finally, the post will require the ability to review agreed goals, analyze processes necessary to achieve those goals, and develop techniques and systems required to meet the goals.

Preferred

• Previous experience in immunoassays, cell culture, flow cytometry, live-trapping of animals in the field, microbiological research methods, supervision of other personnel, and general laboratory management are preferred.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS