Research Assistant

• Assist in designing and conducting experiments under the direction of the Research Director.
• Perform laboratory techniques, including molecular and bacterial/cell culture methods, with a focus on biofilm research and imaging.
• Provide support to students and guest researchers in conducting experiments and analyzing data in the Endo department as needed.
• Maintain and organize laboratory equipment, ensuring proper functionality and cleanliness.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, contributing to project reports and publications.
• Assist with the preparation of research documentation, such as protocols, manuscripts, grants' proposals.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards and guidelines.
• Manage laboratory supplies and consumables.

• General laboratory procedures and basic molecular techniques.
• Microbiology, bacterial culture methods, and biofilm research.
• Basic imaging techniques and applications.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
• Proper protocols for handling and disposing of biohazardous materials.
• Drafting and adhering to standard operating procedures and established safety protocols.

• Multitask and adapt to changing priorities and tasks.
• Learn and develop new skills independently.
• Work both independently and as part of a team, collaborating effectively with others.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Communicate effectively and collaborate with colleagues.
• Supervise and mentor students in their research work.

• Minimum of one year of general laboratory experience, including bacterial culture techniques.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., microbiology, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related discipline).

• Position is full-time, eight (8) hours per day, five (5) days per week.
• Occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens or biohazardous materials may reasonably be anticipated. Personal protective equipment will be provided to reduce or eliminate exposure to routine or limited infectious agents.

• Multispecies and anaerobic bacterial cultures.
• Advanced imaging skills (confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy).
• Imaging software and image processing techniques.
• Experience working in the dental research field (dental materials and biomechanics)
• Protein and peptide handling and characterization.
• Cell culture, ELISA, PCR, and DNA extraction techniques.
• Experience with common bioinformatics and biostatistical analysis.

• Demonstrated research productivity with peer-reviewed publications in areas such as microbiology, biofilms, advanced imaging, or physico-chemical characterization.
• 3-5 years of laboratory experience.

• Master's or PhD degrees in a relevant scientific field (e.g., microbiology, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, or related discipline).

• Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
• Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

• Position requires standing, lifting, bending, and reaching during most working hours.
• Lifting objects of up to 25 pounds.

University of the Pacific is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity. In compliance with applicable law and its own policy, Pacific is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff and does not discriminate in its hiring of faculty and staff, or in the provision of its employment benefits to its faculty and staff on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex/gender, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or mental or physical disability.