Adjunct Research Support

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.
• Prior coursework in physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, c

Benefits

Additional Information

USNH Employees should apply within Workday through the Jobs Hub app 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.

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