Quantitative Research Associate Jobs in Illinois

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Internal NAIT Employees

Current NAIT employees are welcome to apply for this opportunity. To be considered, please submit your application through the NAIT Jobs Hub rather than the external career site.

Please Note: This is a temporary position ending on or before August 27, 2027, with the possibility of extension.

We are recruiting an Environmental Microbiologist / Bioinformatician at the Research Associate I level to support an applied research program focused on understanding and harnessing microbial processes to address environmental and industrial challenges. The successful candidate will provide advanced expertise in environmental microbiology, metagenomics, microbial genomics, and bioinformatics, with particular emphasis on resolving the composition, function, and metabolic capabilities of complex microbial communities.

The Research Associate will lead the analysis and interpretation of metagenomic datasets generated from laboratory cultures, engineered systems, and environmental samples. They will apply advanced bioinformatic approaches to reconstruct microbial genomes, characterize community composition and function, and identify microorganisms, genes, and metabolic pathways associated with environmentally and industrially relevant processes.

A key component of the position will be integrating genomic information with microbiological, chemical, and environmental data and translating research findings into actionable outcomes for industry partners. The successful candidate will work closely with laboratory researchers to guide experimental activities and support the development of microbial cultures, molecular biomarkers, and other applied biotechnology solutions.

The position will contribute to research spanning environmental remediation, anaerobic microbial processes, industrial biotechnology, waste treatment, resource recovery, and other emerging applications of environmental microbiology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead bioinformatic analysis of microbial genomic and metagenomic datasets, including sequence assembly, genome reconstruction, annotation, comparative genomics, phylogenetic analysis, and functional characterization.

• Integrate genomic and metagenomic data with microbiological, chemical, and environmental datasets to identify microorganisms, metabolic pathways, and molecular biomarkers relevant to applied research objectives.

• Collaborate with laboratory researchers to design experiments and translate genomic and microbial insights into actionable outcomes for industry partners.

• Develop, implement, document, and maintain reproducible bioinformatic workflows and data-management practices for large biological datasets.

• Analyze, interpret, visualize, and communicate research findings through technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and communications with research and industry partners.

• Contribute to research project development, grant proposals, new applied research opportunities, and mentorship of research staff, students, and trainees.

Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, microbial genomics, and microbial physiology and metabolism.

• Advanced knowledge of metagenomic and microbial genome analysis, including genome reconstruction, comparative genomics, phylogenetics, functional annotation, and metabolic pathway analysis.

• Demonstrated proficiency with bioinformatic tools and reproducible workflows for analyzing large microbial sequencing datasets, including Linux/Unix environments and relevant scripting or programming languages.

• Strong ability to integrate genomic, microbiological, chemical, and environmental data and translate complex datasets into biologically meaningful conclusions and experimentally testable hypotheses.

• Strong quantitative, analytical, troubleshooting, and scientific problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently design and execute complex research activities.

• Strong scientific communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to prepare publications, reports, presentations, and proposals and work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in microbiology, environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, bioinformatics, genomics, molecular biology, or a closely related field.

• Minimum of two years of related research experience.

• Demonstrated research experience in microbial genomics, metagenomics, and/or bioinformatics, including the analysis of complex microbial communities.

• Demonstrated experience applying bioinformatic approaches to microbial genomic or metagenomic datasets.

Remuneration

Refer to salary range noted on this posting, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Note: Remuneration for part-time positions will be pro-rated based on FTE (full-time equivalent).

NAIT is committed to a transparent, fair, and human-centered hiring experience. All candidates are assessed directly by our recruitment and hiring teams.

About NAIT

We are known as one of Alberta's top employers. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT's culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.

People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. For eligible positions, we offer benefits and unique perks focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, eligible employees receive paid time off between Christmas and New Year's.

NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.

NAIT is committed to fostering a safe environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our Centre for Community and Belonging (CCB) and our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please connect with us at careers@nait.ca.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.