Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement
Research Scientist
Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement, Bozeman, Montana, us, 59772
Research Scientist – Montana State University, Office of Student Engagement
Join to apply for the Research Scientist role at Montana State University – Office of Student Engagement.
Position Information: STYLE NUMBER: STAFF‑VA‑26229
Contact:
Kelley Kane
kelleykane@montana.edu
406-994-5097
Position Overview The Research Scientist will independently contribute to cutting‑edge research on Borrelia burgdorferi and vector‑borne mechanisms of phage‑mediated genetic exchange in the tick–mouse model of Lyme disease. This position requires exceptional interdisciplinary expertise across microbial genomics, bioinformatics, molecular microbiology, and animal‑associated infection biology.
Duties and Responsibilities Research Design, Execution, and Innovation
Independently design and conduct hypothesis‑driven experiments relevant to phage induction, plasmid recombination, cp32 dynamics, antigenic variation, and Borrelia pathogenesis.
Develop new methodological approaches—both experimental and computational—to investigate surface‑protein diversity, recombination events, and mobile genetic elements within the Lyme disease system.
Lead multiple concurrent research efforts requiring integration of genomics, wet‑lab experimentation, and animal‑model data.
Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Systems
Develop, deploy, and maintain high‑throughput computational pipelines (Python, Bash, Linux/Unix) for Illumina, Nanopore, and hybrid genome assembly workflows.
Perform comparative genomics on plasmids, phages, and mobile genetic elements; identify CRISPR arrays, anti‑phage systems, recombination events, and patterns of genome plasticity.
Build custom visualization tools (e.g., Plotly‑Dash dashboards or equivalent) for data presentation and public‑facing analytics.
Administer and maintain laboratory servers, software environments, containerized workflows, and data storage systems supporting large‑volume sequencing datasets.
Develop and maintain relational data structures for sequencing metadata, phenotypic data, strain collections, and analytical outputs.
Molecular Microbiology and Wet‑Lab Capabilities
Perform complex molecular biology workflows including recombinant DNA methods, cloning, PCR/qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing library construction, and phage purification.
Maintain and characterize diverse bacterial isolates, including plasmid‑bearing strains, mutants, and engineered lines.
Develop protocols and SOPs for advanced laboratory techniques such as inducible phage purification, genomic library preparation, and molecular characterization of phage/host interactions.
Vector‑Borne and Animal Model Experiments
Support tick–mouse model experiments, including tick feeding, infection establishment, tissue harvesting, recovery of spirochetes, and downstream genomic analyses.
Conduct mouse infection procedures (e.g., inoculation, monitoring, tissue collection) under IACUC protocols with high precision and strong documentation.
Integrate in‑vivo results with genomic and molecular datasets to analyze phage induction, recombination, immune evasion, and strain competitiveness.
Leadership, Mentoring, and Training
Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in experimental design, molecular biology, microbiology, computational analysis, and data visualization.
Develop and deliver training modules or short workshops to onboard new researchers in laboratory procedures and computational tools.
Provide day‑to‑day guidance to junior personnel, fostering a collaborative, rigorous, and supportive research environment.
Scholarly Writing, Reporting, and Grant Support
Contribute substantially to manuscripts as a lead or co‑author, including data analysis, figure preparation, and methods writing.
Prepare reports for funded federal grants, including progress summaries, data figures, and computational workflows.
Assist in the conception and writing of new grant proposals, generating preliminary data and novel computational methods where needed.
Present research findings at internal meetings, national conferences, and collaborative project discussions.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a closely related discipline.
Demonstrated excellence in genomic data analysis, including short‑read and long‑read assembly, annotation, and comparative genomics.
Proven experience in molecular microbiology including DNA/RNA workflows, cloning, mutagenesis, and microbial cultivation.
Demonstrated ability to independently design, troubleshoot, and complete technically complex research projects.
Excellent communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Experience with phage biology, plasmid biology, CRISPR systems, or other mobile genetic elements.
Experience developing custom computational tools, dashboards, or visualization platforms.
Experience with vector‑borne or animal models of infection (e.g., mice, ticks).
Experience managing large biological repositories or strain collections.
Demonstrated track record of mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
Experience with host–pathogen interactions, spirochete biology, or vector microbiology.
Strong proficiency in Python and Bash, Linux/Unix systems, and scripting for high‑throughput analyses.
Successful Candidate Will
Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and scientific independence.
Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of all research activities.
Communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Actively contribute to a safe and collaborative laboratory environment.
Manage time and resources effectively to meet research milestones.
Represent the laboratory professionally in internal and external interactions.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Completion of biosafety, animal‑use, and laboratory safety training.
Flexibility to support experiments requiring occasional evening or weekend work (e.g., tick feedings).
Position is contingent on external grant funding.
Occasional travel for conferences or collaborator meetings.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies: 1
Desired Start Date:
January 5, 2025
(open until an adequate applicant pool has been established).
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Applicant Documents Required Documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Optional Documents:
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Information: STYLE NUMBER: STAFF‑VA‑26229
Contact:
Kelley Kane
kelleykane@montana.edu
406-994-5097
Position Overview The Research Scientist will independently contribute to cutting‑edge research on Borrelia burgdorferi and vector‑borne mechanisms of phage‑mediated genetic exchange in the tick–mouse model of Lyme disease. This position requires exceptional interdisciplinary expertise across microbial genomics, bioinformatics, molecular microbiology, and animal‑associated infection biology.
Duties and Responsibilities Research Design, Execution, and Innovation
Independently design and conduct hypothesis‑driven experiments relevant to phage induction, plasmid recombination, cp32 dynamics, antigenic variation, and Borrelia pathogenesis.
Develop new methodological approaches—both experimental and computational—to investigate surface‑protein diversity, recombination events, and mobile genetic elements within the Lyme disease system.
Lead multiple concurrent research efforts requiring integration of genomics, wet‑lab experimentation, and animal‑model data.
Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Systems
Develop, deploy, and maintain high‑throughput computational pipelines (Python, Bash, Linux/Unix) for Illumina, Nanopore, and hybrid genome assembly workflows.
Perform comparative genomics on plasmids, phages, and mobile genetic elements; identify CRISPR arrays, anti‑phage systems, recombination events, and patterns of genome plasticity.
Build custom visualization tools (e.g., Plotly‑Dash dashboards or equivalent) for data presentation and public‑facing analytics.
Administer and maintain laboratory servers, software environments, containerized workflows, and data storage systems supporting large‑volume sequencing datasets.
Develop and maintain relational data structures for sequencing metadata, phenotypic data, strain collections, and analytical outputs.
Molecular Microbiology and Wet‑Lab Capabilities
Perform complex molecular biology workflows including recombinant DNA methods, cloning, PCR/qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing library construction, and phage purification.
Maintain and characterize diverse bacterial isolates, including plasmid‑bearing strains, mutants, and engineered lines.
Develop protocols and SOPs for advanced laboratory techniques such as inducible phage purification, genomic library preparation, and molecular characterization of phage/host interactions.
Vector‑Borne and Animal Model Experiments
Support tick–mouse model experiments, including tick feeding, infection establishment, tissue harvesting, recovery of spirochetes, and downstream genomic analyses.
Conduct mouse infection procedures (e.g., inoculation, monitoring, tissue collection) under IACUC protocols with high precision and strong documentation.
Integrate in‑vivo results with genomic and molecular datasets to analyze phage induction, recombination, immune evasion, and strain competitiveness.
Leadership, Mentoring, and Training
Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in experimental design, molecular biology, microbiology, computational analysis, and data visualization.
Develop and deliver training modules or short workshops to onboard new researchers in laboratory procedures and computational tools.
Provide day‑to‑day guidance to junior personnel, fostering a collaborative, rigorous, and supportive research environment.
Scholarly Writing, Reporting, and Grant Support
Contribute substantially to manuscripts as a lead or co‑author, including data analysis, figure preparation, and methods writing.
Prepare reports for funded federal grants, including progress summaries, data figures, and computational workflows.
Assist in the conception and writing of new grant proposals, generating preliminary data and novel computational methods where needed.
Present research findings at internal meetings, national conferences, and collaborative project discussions.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a closely related discipline.
Demonstrated excellence in genomic data analysis, including short‑read and long‑read assembly, annotation, and comparative genomics.
Proven experience in molecular microbiology including DNA/RNA workflows, cloning, mutagenesis, and microbial cultivation.
Demonstrated ability to independently design, troubleshoot, and complete technically complex research projects.
Excellent communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Experience with phage biology, plasmid biology, CRISPR systems, or other mobile genetic elements.
Experience developing custom computational tools, dashboards, or visualization platforms.
Experience with vector‑borne or animal models of infection (e.g., mice, ticks).
Experience managing large biological repositories or strain collections.
Demonstrated track record of mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
Experience with host–pathogen interactions, spirochete biology, or vector microbiology.
Strong proficiency in Python and Bash, Linux/Unix systems, and scripting for high‑throughput analyses.
Successful Candidate Will
Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and scientific independence.
Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of all research activities.
Communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Actively contribute to a safe and collaborative laboratory environment.
Manage time and resources effectively to meet research milestones.
Represent the laboratory professionally in internal and external interactions.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Completion of biosafety, animal‑use, and laboratory safety training.
Flexibility to support experiments requiring occasional evening or weekend work (e.g., tick feedings).
Position is contingent on external grant funding.
Occasional travel for conferences or collaborator meetings.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies: 1
Desired Start Date:
January 5, 2025
(open until an adequate applicant pool has been established).
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Applicant Documents Required Documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Optional Documents:
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)
#J-18808-Ljbffr