Associate Research Scientist in Microbial Omics

A humble college founded before Texas was a state, Baylor now stands as one of the premier institutions of higher education in the world. Baylor has continued to invest in research and doctoral education, both solidifying and elevating its unique status as a preeminent Christian research university. Baylor is among 187 R1 institutions, just 52 of which are private universities. 

Since 2011, Baylor has been named as one of the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For”. Great Colleges to Work For® is one of the country’s largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. Each year, Great Colleges recognizes the colleges and universities that get top employee ratings regarding workplace practices and policies across 10 areas. This recognition is based on faculty and staff responses to a related annual survey. The survey, conducted by ModernThink, is a way for colleges and universities to gain a deeper understanding of how their employees experience and view various aspects of the institution. This continued recognition further affirms Baylor as a rewarding place to build a career.

What We Are Looking For

The Wright Group in the Department of Biology at Baylor University is seeking an Associate Research Scientist in Microbial Omics with expertise and independent research in proteomics and/or metabolomics of microbiomes/microbes. The Wright Group is focused on phenotype-driven studies of gut and oral microbiomes. The group has more than 30 interdisciplinary undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers, thus creating a complex and dynamic research setting that spans microbiome sciences, chemical biology, and mass spectrometry-based omics sciences. The Associate Research Scientist will (1) participate in the leadership of projects within the group; (2) develop their own research projects and seek extramural funding as PI, co-PI, or co-I; and (3) play a vital role in ensuring efficient and successful outcomes in the Wright Group by taking on select lab management duties. 

The Wright Lab seeks an individual who has been and will continue to develop science at the cutting edge of microbial/microbiome proteomics and/or metabolomics. The successful applicant will engage in metabolomics and DDA and/or DIA metaproteomics in the group, facilitating method development and deployment and data analysis. The individual should have expertise and a track record of productivity as demonstrated by papers, invited presentations, and patents. The individual will be expected to facilitate ongoing projects in the Wright Lab, help develop new research proposals, and provide day-to-day management of operations of the scientific laboratory. 

Lab management responsibilities may include managing the inventory of lab chemicals and supplies, maintaining equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, maintain compliance with Baylor research expectations, and coordinating with outside vendors. The successful applicant will also help supervise undergraduate and graduate researchers, provide training in lab techniques and lab safety, and work with the group Research Coordinator to onboard new researchers. 

The breakdown of responsibilities will be approximately 70% research and 30% lab management.

A Ph.D. and one year of relevant work experience are required. A Ph.D. and three years relevant work experience are preferred. Ph.D. should be in a discipline relevant to the position.

Additional skills/qualifications include:

• Experience in an academic or similar lab setting, preferably in chemical biology, proteomics, and/or microbiology

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills

• Familiarity with safety protocols, chemical hygiene plans, and lab instrumentation

• Student mentoring experience

A complete application will contain the following documents:

• Up-to-date CV

• List of 3 references that will be able to supply a letter of recommendation upon request

• Cover letter

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

What You Will Do

• Participate in the leadership of ongoing research projects

• Participate in the mentorship of postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students

• Develop new research projects at the cutting edge of proteomics and metabolomics of microbiomes

• Participate in existing collaborations and develop new internal and external collaborations for the Wright Group

• Write proposals for extramural funding as Co-I, Co-PI, or PI

• Provide training to Wright Group researchers

• Assure safe laboratory operations and assure all researchers are compliant with Baylor EH&S

• Maintain laboratory instrumentation and serve as a liaison for repairs, service, and new installations

• Work with the Wright Group Research Coordinator to assure the lab maintains necessary items

• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission

• Ability to comply with university policies

• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus.  To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Baylor in Deeds.  Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally.  If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco!

Baylor University, a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor complies with statutory Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity requirements. Baylor's full official Notice of Non-Discrimination may be read online.