Staff Research Assistant

Posted: Friday, 05 September 2025
Valid Thru: Sunday, 05 October 2025
Index Requested on: 09/06/2025 01:45:36
Indexed on: 09/06/2025 01:45:36

Location: Oklahoma City, OK, 73101, US

Industry: Education
Occupational Category: 11-0000.00 - Management
Type of Employment: FULL_TIME

University of Oklahoma is hiring!

Description:

The central hypothesis of the Dalebroux lab is that Bacteroides outer membrane vessels (OMVs) directly and indirectly contribute to protection against Clostridiodes difficile (Cdif) infection within the human intestine. We predict that Bacteroides respond to environmental signals and the presence of Cdif by deploying OMVs that carry contents which antagonize Cdif toxin production and growth, while promoting beneficial immune responses that prevent Cdif expansion. Here, we employ techniques in bacteriology, biochemistry, molecular biology, eukaryotic cell culture and genetics to define the environmental signals that cue specific OMV production by Bacteroides and discern bacterial molecules within these OMVs that influence gut homeostasis and dysbiosis during health and disease as it relates to Cdif infection.

Duties:

  • This position will involve working with Biosafety Level 2 microbes that pose a moderate potential threat to personnel or the environment. The work will entail applying sterile technique and the appropriate biohazard precautions to culture Bacteroides species and Clostridioides difficile under microaerophilic and anaerobic conditions.
  • Routine tasks will include preparing culture media and reagents, rinsing glassware, and autoclaving media and plasticwares.
  • Calculations of molarity, concentration, and dilutions will be frequent.
  • The work will require regular use of slow and high-speed centrifuges for collecting bacteria and isolating their secreted vesicles from culture supernatants.
  • Molecular biology, chemistry, and biochemistry techniques such as mechanical and chemical lysis of bacteria, membrane isolation, protein quantification, SDS-PAGE, glycolipid extraction and staining, and lipid extraction and analysis by thin-layer chromatography will be performed consistently.
  • Provides assistance to a research staff by collecting data, keeping records, conducting literature searches, technical research, analyzing data, and preparing reports with minimal supervision.

  • Conducts research and laboratory analysis for research staff, to include but not limited to measure and weigh compounds and solutions, isolate, identify and prepare specimens, and collect samples and other research information.

  • Collects various forms of data pertaining to the research project or projects, which could include database information and/or hard files. Conducts data analyses, interprets data, draws conclusions, and discusses with principal investigator.

  • Keeps detailed logs of all research related projects or activities.

  • Prepares various reports containing descriptive, analytical, and evaluative content that may be submitted for publication.

  • Constructs tests or assists in the construction of tests.

  • Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Responsibilities:

Please review the job description.

Educational requirements:

  • high school

Desired Skills:

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree in a Biological Science, Chemistry, Physical Science, Healthcare, Psychology, or related field. AND:

  • 12 months research laboratory experience

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months equivalent experience in lieu of the Bachelor's Degree for a total of 60 months research experience.

Skills:

  • Working knowledge of how to safely handle and dispose of biohazardous materials or chemicals following Federal, State, and University regulations and guidelines.
  • Detail oriented.
  • Ability to analyze data and keep records.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

Certifications: None.

Working Conditions:

  • Physical:
    • Standing for prolonged periods.
    • Manual dexterity.
    • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
    • Reaching, bending, and stooping.
  • Environmental:
    • Laboratory Environment.

    • Exposure to biohazardous materials, chemicals, odors, and carcinogens.

Departmental Preferences:

  • Experience with aseptic technique and pipetting are desired.
  • The project also entails working with and maintaining eukaryotic tissue cultures of several immortalized human cell lines and primary cells. Assays will include cytotoxicity measurements, ELISA, and Western Blotting.
  • The project will benefit from a detail oriented, and task driven laboratory bench scientist with experience working in a research environment. Experience with maintaining a laboratory notebook, recording and summarizing experimental results, and communicating data, hypotheses, and experimental approaches is desired.
  • The individual will work directly with the Principal Investigator in the lab to accomplish the primary research goals and to maintain Institution Biosafety standards.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.

Benefits:

Please see the job description for benefits.

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