Research Assistant

Overview

This is a 1-year limited-term position. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding up to 4 years. Assists researchers in planning, maintaining or completing research programs and/or projects involved in the discovery of new knowledge, techniques, and concepts which require fundamental scientific/research knowledge, skills and abilities following relevant policies, procedures, regulations and laws.

Responsibilities

Conduct eDNA laboratory procedures, including sample collection and filtration, DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR amplification, and potentially library preparation for high-throughput sequencing to generate metabarcoding eDNA data Accurately track and manage samples using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or equivalent data management tools Follow and help maintain standard operating procedures in alignment Assist in quality control assessments of molecular data and ensure accurate documentation of results and lab activities Participate in bioinformatic preprocessing and analysis of sequencing data Collaborate with team members to support field sampling and sample intake Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and manuscripts as appropriate Maintain rigorous contamination control by adhering to clean laboratory protocols Maintain laboratory organization, inventory, and cleanliness Perform other duties as assigned in support of eDNA research Qualifications Level III: Bachelor's Degree in content specific area of research and 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Level IV: Bachelor's Degree in content specific area of research and 6 years of experience in research practices and protocols. Preferred experience: Molecular lab experience, such as DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing workflows, genetics/genomics experience, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and metabarcoding, eDNA and fish health experience.

Molecular Laboratory Techniques: Proficient in using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and performing standard molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing workflows, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Attention to Detail & Standard Operating Policy Compliance: Meticulous record-keeping skills and the ability to follow standard operating procedures Genomics Research Support: Experience in laboratory aspects of genomics research, including primer design, mitochondrial genome assembly, and sequence data analysis for target genes and metabarcoding datasets.

Scientific Literacy: Understanding of relevant scientific disciplines (e.g., conservation genetics, ecology, molecular biology) to support informed decision-making. eDNA Laboratory Experience: Previous hands-on experience working in an eDNA laboratory setting. Software Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, data management, and presentations.

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE: Yes, When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience. Contract Type Limited Term Why Work at Auburn?

Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world. Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education. We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.

Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches. A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle! Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more. Posted Date 10/28/2026 Conduct eDNA laboratory procedures, including sample collection and filtration, DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR amplification, and potentially library preparation for high-throughput sequencing to generate metabarcoding eDNA data Accurately track and manage samples using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or equivalent data management tools Follow and help maintain standard operating procedures in alignment Assist in quality control assessments of molecular data and ensure accurate documentation of results and lab activities Participate in bioinformatic preprocessing and analysis of sequencing data Collaborate with team members to support field sampling and sample intake Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and manuscripts as appropriate Maintain rigorous contamination control by adhering to clean laboratory protocols Maintain laboratory organization, inventory, and cleanliness Perform other duties as assigned in support of eDNA research Level III: Bachelor's Degree in content specific area of research and 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols.

Level IV: Bachelor's Degree in content specific area of research and 6 years of experience in research practices and protocols. Preferred experience: Molecular lab experience, such as DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing workflows, genetics/genomics experience, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and metabarcoding, eDNA and fish health experience.

Molecular Laboratory Techniques: Proficient in using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and performing standard molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing workflows, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Attention to Detail & Standard Operating Policy Compliance: Meticulous record-keeping skills and the ability to follow standard operating procedures Genomics Research Support: Experience in laboratory aspects of genomics research, including primer design, mitochondrial genome assembly, and sequence data analysis for target genes and metabarcoding datasets.

Scientific Literacy: Understanding of relevant scientific disciplines (e.g., conservation genetics, ecology, molecular biology) to support informed decision-making. eDNA Laboratory Experience: Previous hands-on experience working in an eDNA laboratory setting. Software Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, data management, and presentations.

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE: Yes, When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.