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Microbiome Research Associate Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

... microbiome and human health. Applicants must be comfortable working with a wide range of ... Prepares and submits papers on research. * Assists in the design of research experiments.

Microbiome Research Associate information

What does a Microbiome Research Associate do?

A Microbiome Research Associate supports scientific studies investigating the communities of microorganisms that live in various environments, such as the human gut, soil, or water. Their responsibilities often include preparing samples, conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing DNA sequences, and using bioinformatics tools to interpret data. They also help maintain lab equipment, record results, and may contribute to writing research reports or scientific publications. This role is vital in advancing our understanding of how microbial communities impact health, disease, and the environment.

How does a Microbiome Research Associate typically collaborate with other team members in a research setting?

As a Microbiome Research Associate, you will regularly collaborate with principal investigators, laboratory technicians, and bioinformaticians to design experiments, process samples, and analyze data. This role often involves attending team meetings to discuss research goals, troubleshooting protocols, and sharing findings. Effective communication is essential, as you may need to present your results or contribute to manuscript preparation. Working closely with cross-disciplinary teams fosters a dynamic environment and can provide opportunities to learn new techniques and expand your expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microbiome Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microbiome Research Associate, you need a solid background in microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a life science field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and bioinformatics tools like QIIME or R is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective collaboration are vital soft skills for accurate data interpretation and teamwork. These competencies are crucial for producing reliable research results and advancing scientific understanding of microbial communities.

What is the difference between Microbiome Research Associate vs Microbiome Laboratory Technician?

AspectMicrobiome Research AssociateMicrobiome Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in microbiology, biology, or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant laboratory training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, biotech companiesLaboratories, clinical settings, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch-focused roles in academia, biotech, and healthcareTechnical support and sample processing in labs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in microbiome studiesTechnical lab work and sample handling

Microbiome Research Associates typically hold advanced degrees and focus on designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting microbiome research. In contrast, Microbiome Laboratory Technicians perform technical tasks like sample preparation and lab maintenance. Both roles are essential in microbiome research but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiome Research jobs in Missouri?

The most popular types of Microbiome Research jobs in Missouri are:

What are popular job titles related to Microbiome Research Associate jobs in Missouri?

For Microbiome Research Associate jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Microbiome Research Associate jobs in Missouri look for?

The top searched job categories for Microbiome Research Associate jobs in Missouri are:

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Microbiome Research Associate jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Microbiome Research Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Microbiome Research Associate job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Molecular Microbiology

Washington University

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Location
SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110Position Summary
The position requires creativity, independence and willingness to work on an "out of the box" project. Picobirnaviruses (PBV)s are small double-stranded RNA viruses first discovered in human stool specimens that have been largely ignored by the scientific community. PBVs are highly prevalent and abundant in human enteric viromes and have been associated with multiple human disease. While they have been assumed to infect human and other vertebrate hosts for over 30 years, we have generated significant evidence that PBVs actually are the 3rd known group of RNA bacteriophages rather than eukaryotic viruses (e.g., Krishnamurthy et al, Virology 2018; Gan and Wang, PNAS 2023).
Projects will focus on defining the interactions of PBVs with their bacterial hosts both in vitro and in vivo in gnotobiotic mouse models and defining their impact on the microbiome and human health. Applicants must be comfortable working with a wide range of experimental approaches: NGS, bioinformatics, biochemistry, genetic screens, virological and bacteriological methods.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.
Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):
  • Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
  • Prepares and submits papers on research.
  • Assists in the design of research experiments.
  • Evaluates research findings and assists in the reporting of the results.
  • Conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
  • Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
  • Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
  • Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
  • Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
  • Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Working Conditions:
This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.
Salary Range:
Base pay is commensurate with experience.
Applicant Special Instructions:
Interested applicants should submit the following documents to davewang@wustl.edu.
  • A cover letter outlining their research interest and qualifications.
  • A detailed CV, including list of publications.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
At WashU, postdoctoral appointments:
  • Have a 5-year term limit that includes previous experience.

Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Collaboration, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.