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The Edington Lab at the University of New Hampshire will hire an adjunct hourly research assistant. The assistant will support research in the Edington Lab in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences and Department of Chemistry with work connected to biophysical chemistry and molecular spectroscopy. The position will contribute to ongoing studies of ion binding in chelators and related molecular systems by assisting with sample preparation, FTIR data collection, spectral processing, comparison of experimental spectra with computational results, and preparation of scientific graphics.
This position requires careful laboratory technique, attention to detail in data handling, and the ability to learn specialized methods in infrared spectroscopy, molecular modeling, and scientific figure preparation under supervision. The scope of responsibility is appropriate for an undergraduate researcher: the assistant will carry out defined experimental and analytical tasks using established protocols, maintain accurate records, and discuss results with lab personnel and the PI. This position is not considered essential staff and is not required to report to work during curtailment unless specifically directed under separate university policy.
Duties/Responsibilities
Sample Preparation and Laboratory Work (30%)
Prepare ion-chelator samples using established lab protocols and appropriate laboratory safety practices.
Maintain organized records of sample composition, preparation conditions, concentrations, pH, storage, and experimental notes.
Assist with routine laboratory organization related to assigned experiments, including proper labeling, documentation, and cleanup.
FTIR Data Collection and Spectral Processing (30%)
Collect FTIR spectra of apo and metal-bound chelator samples under supervision.
Process spectra using established workflows, including baseline correction, normalization, subtraction, peak identification, and comparison across related samples.
Maintain clear records of data acquisition parameters and processing decisions to support reproducibility.
Data Analysis and Interpretation (25%)
Analyze spectral trends associated with ion identity, chelator structure, and binding behavior.
Compare experimental spectra with results from density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations.
Discuss preliminary interpretations with lab personnel and the PI, revising analyses as needed based on feedback.
Scientific Communication and Graphics Preparation (15%)
Prepare clear scientific graphics for lab meetings, presentations, posters, manuscripts, and related research materials.
Organize experimental and computational results into figures, tables, and summaries suitable for internal discussion.
Participate in lab discussions and communicate progress, questions, and results in a professional and timely manner.
Requirements
Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Ability to follow written protocols and verbal instructions carefully and consistently.
Attention to detail in sample preparation, data collection, data processing, and recordkeeping.
Ability to work safely in a laboratory environment after appropriate training.
Basic scientific literacy in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, physics, or a related field.
Ability to learn specialized research methods, including FTIR spectroscopy, spectral processing, molecular visualization, and scientific graphics preparation.
Ability to organize experimental notes, data files, spectra, figures, and analysis outputs in a reproducible manner.
Basic quantitative reasoning skills sufficient to prepare samples, compare spectra, interpret trends, and check data quality.
Ability to communicate progress, questions, problems, and results clearly with the PI and other lab personnel.
Ability to accept feedback and revise experimental or analytical work accordingly.
Ability to work independently on defined tasks after training while recognizing when to ask for guidance.
Professional reliability, including punctuality, responsible handling of samples and data, and timely completion of assigned work.
Willingness to learn new software tools for data analysis, molecular modeling interpretation, and figure preparation.
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior coursework in physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, computational chemistry, or related areas.
Prior laboratory research experience, especially involving solution preparation, spectroscopy, biomolecular samples, or quantitative analytical methods.
Experience with FTIR spectroscopy or other spectroscopic techniques.
Experience with data analysis software such as Python, MATLAB, Excel, Origin, Igor Pro, or similar tools.
Familiarity with molecular visualization, DFT calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, or computational chemistry outputs.
Experience preparing scientific figures, posters, presentations, or other research graphics.
Demonstrated ability to maintain organized research records, data files, and laboratory notes.
Interest in molecular structure, ion binding, spectroscopy, biophysical chemistry, or computational analysis.
Applicant Instructions:
Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the My Experience: Resume/CV section of the application: (Maximum of 5 Documents)
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
Contact Information for 3 Professional References
Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed.
Compensation Pay Range:
$15 hourly
The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire's lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.
EEO Statement
The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.
The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources
Location:
Durham
Salary Grade:
Adjunct Hourly Staff 00