Special Information

• This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.
• Per project requirements, selected candidate must be willing and able to:
  • Pass a Department of Justice Select Agent Program Security Risk Assessment.
  • Participate in occupational health monitoring required by Northern Arizona University.

About the Department/College

NAU’s School of Forestry offers unmatched access to one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the country. With nearly 47,000 acres of research forest just outside Flagstaff and a strong faculty-to-student ratio, you’ll learn by doing: collecting data, managing ecosystems, and exploring solutions to the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow. Join forestry-focused student organizations, connect with peers and mentors, and apply for one of 50+ dedicated scholarships that support your academic journey.

About the Position

The School of Forestry and Pathogen and Microbiome Institute (PMI) at Northern Arizona University seeks a Research Assistant to perform basic and applied research largely focused on vertebrate and pathogen genetics. This will be a position in Dr. Faith Walker's lab (https://nau.edu/batdna/) with emphasis on the Species from Feces program (https://nau.edu/sff/).

A Research Assistant:

1. Undertakes standardized research assignments involving detailed and controlled research and laboratory procedures related to species detection using genetic tools.
2. Conducts a variety of standardized procedures, such as extracting and PCR-amplifying DNA, preparing libraries for DNA metabarcoding, preparing reagents, and operating standard laboratory equipment of moderate complexity.
3. Records data and provides analyses, interpretation, and troubleshooting of protocol issues.

The top candidates for this position should be highly motivated and have substantial genetics experience.

Primary duties will include:

• DNA extraction from wildlife fecal samples and environmental DNA using both manual and automated workflows.
• Next-Generation library preparations for DNA metabarcoding on Illumina platforms.
• PCR/qPCR sample screening, purification, and quality control.
• Assist in writing standard operating procedures and scientific manuscripts.
• Working in a team-based environment.
• Working safely with potentially hazardous materials under BSL2 conditions, such as laboratory chemicals and disease-causing organisms.

Anticipated position start date is April 6, 2026.

Responsibilities Include

75% - Laboratory Molecular Biology & Genomics

• DNA extraction from diverse sample types such as:
  • Environmental DNA (air, soil, water, swabs from plants and insects), feces, tissue, museum specimens
  • DNA metabarcoding on Illumina platform
  • PCR/qPCR sample screening
  • Sanger sequencing, target enrichment

10% - Data Management

• Working with R scripts.
• Spreadsheet tracking for sequencing runs.
• Freezer organization of samples.
• Coordination with the sequencing core for timely sequencing results.

5% - Training & Mentorship

• Mentoring undergraduate students in genetic techniques such as:
  • DNA extraction
  • Library prep for DNA metabarcoding
  • High sensitivity room techniques.

5% - Data Analysis, Reporting & Scientific Writing

• Statistical analysis.
• Preparation of figures.
• Drafting reports to clients.
• Contributing to and editing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.

5% - Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or relevant discipline.
• 2 years of research support experience.

*A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Biology or relevant discipline.
• Experience with genetic techniques such as DNA extraction from multiple sample types including environmental DNA, PCR, qPCR, Sanger sequencing, library preparation for DNA metabarcoding, and target enrichment.
• Experience with manual pipette use (single/multichannel).
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate students in lab techniques.
• Experience with data entry and analysis.
• Experience with laboratory safety and the ability to safely handle hazardous materials (laboratory chemicals and biohazardous materials).

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques used in molecular genetic analysis.
• Experience with analyzing and evaluating scientific data.

Skills

• Candidate must be well-organized, with an eye for detail.

Abilities

• Ability to perform library preparations for DNA metabarcoding.
• Ability to repeatedly use manual single/multichannel pipettes.
• Ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials.
• Ability to work successfully within a laboratory group.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

Compensation

Salary range is $51,085 to $58,066. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

Pre-Employment Check

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Also, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Fire and Security Report

Each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Immigration Support/Sponsorship

Northern Arizona University will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.

Submit your Application

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by midnight of the application deadline.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.