Research Engineer/Associate

Temple University's School of Engineering is searching for a Research Engineer / Associate!

Become a part of the Temple family and you will have access to the following:
Full medical, dental, vision coverage
Paid time off
9 Federally Observed Paid Holidays
3 Personal Days
Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION-FREE
A generous retirement plan and so much more!

Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000
A variety of important factors are reviewed by HR when considering salary, including job duties, the applicant's education and experience, all relevant internal equity considerations, department budget, and funding source.

Position Summary
The Research Engineer / Associate performs research and development in the areas of water purification, environmental engineering, and bioengineering. The researcher conducts research on emerging contaminants of concern in water, analysis and fate of microplastics and nanoplastics in tissue samples, interactions of micro/nano-plastics (MNPs) and antimicrobial resistant genes (ARGs), and their removal from water.

The researcher works with cell cultures, performs spectroscopic analysis of MPs and NPs in tissues, writes research reports, and creates manuscripts for journal publications and proposals. If needed, the researcher will be expected to learn and operate instruments such as UPLC, LC/MS and others. They also manage laboratory safety aspects.

The ideal candidate will have experience in bioengineering and environmental engineering, be able to work with cell cultures, operate instruments such as qPCR, FTIR, O-PTIR, and other standard bioengineering and environmental engineering lab equipment. The candidate will have in depth knowledge of water purification methods for ARBs and ARGs. The candidate will have experience with microplastics in water and endocrine disrupting chemicals from plastics; and will have experience with both in vitro and in vivo models. The candidate should have hands-on experience in relevant research protocols including mammalian cell culture, and maintenance, expansion, and plating of cell lines; hands-on experience processing ex vivo samples for histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC), including tissue fixation, sectioning, staining, and analysis; and proficiency in data analysis and visualization using statistical software (e.g., JMP, MATLAB, ImageJ, or equivalent tools).

Perform other duties as assigned.

This is a grant funded position.

Required Education and Experience
* Bachelor's degree
* At least 3 years of directly related experience
* Experience performing RT-qPCR
* Experience with brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, including sample preparation and image analysis
* Experience with both in vitro and in vivo models, including small animal handling (e.g., mice and rats), in compliance with ethical and regulatory standards
* Experience with microplastics measurement and removal from water; and leaching of endocrine disrupting compounds from plastics
* Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, expansion, and plating of cell lines
* Hands-on experience processing ex vivo samples for histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC), including tissue fixation, sectioning, staining, and analysis.
* An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience
* MS degree in Bioengineering
* 2 or more years of experience in the environmental engineering area

Required Skills and Abilities
* In depth knowledge of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARGs) and ARBs and Water Purification Technologies
* Knowledge of laboratory safety standards and biosafety practices
* Proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including microplate-based assays (e.g., ELISA, Oligreen siRNA assays, EdU proliferation assays)
* Proficiency in data analysis and visualization using statistical software (e.g., JMP, MATLAB, ImageJ, or equivalent tools)
* Demonstrated ability to follow and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintain accurate and timely experimental documentation, and ensure data integrity
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges and optimize protocols
* Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new techniques, technologies, and laboratory instrumentation
* Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities simultaneously
* Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly present data to cross-functional teams
* Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset; ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
* High level of attention to detail and commitment to generating high-quality, reproducible data

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.

Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

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You may request a copy of the report by calling Temple University's Campus Safety Services at 215-204-7900.