Temp Tech/ Genomics Research Specialist in Lexington, Kentucky at University of Kentucky

Master’s degree in genomics, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a closely related sequencing-focused field

The successful candidate should have strong hands-on experience with microbial whole-genome sequencing, RNA-seq, sequencing library preparation, nucleic acid quality control, and molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid cleanup, quantification, and library quality assessment. Experience with Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and/or PacBio workflows is highly desirable, including short-read sequencing, long-read sequencing, high-molecular-weight DNA extraction, bacterial RNA extraction, rRNA depletion, strand-specific RNA-seq, hybrid genome sequencing, amplicon sequencing, or related NGS applications.

N/A

Lifting up to 25 lbs, standing or sitting for long periods.

Normally Monday-Friday days. Occasional evenings or weekends as required for research.

The Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Kentucky is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and experienced Research Analyst / Genomics Research Specialist to support research in microbial whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, antimicrobial resistance, bacteriophage biology, host–pathogen interactions, and One Health infectious diseases.

This position offers an opportunity to work at the interface of microbial genomics, transcriptomics, infectious disease research, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, bacteriophage-based interventions, and host–pathogen interaction studies. The successful candidate will contribute to sequencing-based projects involving bacterial pathogens, bacteriophages, host cells, environmental specimens, organoid-derived samples, and animal-associated samples.

We are seeking an experienced sequencing specialist with strong hands-on library preparation for RNA and DNA sequencing, molecular biology and next-generation sequencing experience, demonstrated troubleshooting ability, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to contribute to experimental design, sequencing strategy, protocol optimization, quality-control interpretation, and workflow development. For more information, please contact us at yahe223@uky.edu

The successful candidate will support multiple ongoing projects focused on bacterial infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, pathogen evolution, bacterial virulence, bacteriophage-based interventions, sequencing-based surveillance, and host–pathogen interactions. Primary areas of responsibility include supporting experimental design for sequencing-based studies and contributing to sequencing strategy development for short-read, long-read, and hybrid approaches. The successful candidate will perform DNA and RNA extraction from bacterial, bacteriophage, host-cell, organoid-derived, environmental, and animal-associated samples; prepare sequencing libraries for microbial whole-genome sequencing, RNA-seq, bacteriophage genomics, amplicon sequencing, and host-response studies; and conduct nucleic acid and library quality-control assessments. The position will also support Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and PacBio sequencing workflows; maintain accurate sample tracking, barcoding, metadata organization, and sequencing documentation; and contribute to troubleshooting, protocol optimization, and standard operating procedure development.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in genomics, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a closely related sequencing-focused field. A PhD is preferred, particularly for candidates with experience in microbial genomics, RNA-seq, long-read sequencing, bacteriophage genomics, host–pathogen interactions, or sequencing-based infectious disease research. Exceptional candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and extensive relevant sequencing experience may also be considered.

The successful candidate should have strong hands-on experience with microbial whole-genome sequencing, RNA-seq, sequencing library preparation, nucleic acid quality control, and molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid cleanup, quantification, and library quality assessment. Experience with Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and/or PacBio workflows is highly desirable, including short-read sequencing, long-read sequencing, high-molecular-weight DNA extraction, bacterial RNA extraction, rRNA depletion, strand-specific RNA-seq, hybrid genome sequencing, amplicon sequencing, or related NGS applications.

Applicants should be able to contribute to the design, optimization, troubleshooting, validation, and documentation of sequencing-based studies and SOPs. Relevant experience includes sequencing platform selection, sample-preparation strategy, library-preparation planning, sequencing-depth considerations, sample batching, barcoding, metadata management, contamination prevention, and troubleshooting of low-yield samples, failed libraries, or sequencing-quality issues.

Experience working with bacterial pathogens, bacteriophages, intracellular organisms, host cells, organoids, environmental specimens, animal-associated samples, or BSL-2 workflows is preferred. Familiarity with microbial genomics workflows, including genome assembly, annotation, antimicrobial resistance detection, virulence analysis, sequence typing, phylogenetics, outbreak investigation, public database submission, and One Health surveillance, is highly desirable.

The successful candidate should have strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, organizational skills, independence, teamwork, and written and verbal communication skills. The candidate should be able to maintain complete laboratory records, manage multiple sequencing projects, communicate clearly with laboratory members and collaborators, and support preparation of sample sheets, run plans, metadata files, reports, manuscripts, grant-related summaries, SOPs, and public sequence-database submissions.

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following qualities:

Interested applicants should submit:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

PhD is preferred, particularly for candidates with experience in microbial genomics, RNA-seq, long-read sequencing, bacteriophage genomics, host–pathogen interactions, or sequencing-based infectious disease research.

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.