Visiting Research Specialist - Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) is an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, built on a team-science approach. Its mission is to advance life sciences research, engage the public in understanding the impact of genomic discoveries, and foster bioeconomic development across Illinois. IGB researchers lead groundbreaking genomic studies that tackle critical societal challenges in food security, energy, health, technology, and environmental sustainability. The institute’s administrative infrastructure is designed to support dynamic research themes, enabling them to evolve with emerging discoveries, innovative methods, and changing needs. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Job Summary

This is an entry-level position with significant time working at the laboratory bench. The Visiting Research Specialist will assist postdocs and PIs with a project aimed at discovering bacterial viruses (phages) and quantifying their interactions with their hosts, with a focus on oral pathogens. This will be accomplished using molecular, genetic, and microbiology approaches.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Scientific Research and phage/strain curation • Assisting Postdocs with isolating and characterizing oral pathogens, including Streptococcus, Porphyromonas, and/or Fusobacteria species. • Assisting Postdocs with discovering, propagating, and sequencing phages that infect targeted bacterial species. • Stocking and curating strains and phage collection. • Assisting Postdocs with developing and performing high-throughput assays to characterize phage-host interactions. • Collecting data, performing statistical analysis, summarizing data in tables and graphs.
• Interpreting and Conceptualizing Results, Disseminating and Incorporating Results • Writing weekly priorities for the project and monthly reports on the progress. • Presenting reports on the project at group meetings • Writing methods and results of the research for scientific papers.
• Training Others • Training other members of the team in the protocols and practices developed in this project. • Supervising undergraduate students: Train, set goals, assign/review work, evaluate performance, address work issues.
• General Lab Maintenance • Assisting in the setup, operation and maintenance of lab equipment. • Contributing to general lab housekeeping tasks • May be responsible for ordering supplies.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or a closely related STEM field. At least one year of research experience in the area of microbiology.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree or additional technical training in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a closely related STEM field.
o Experience working with Streptococcus, Porphyromonas, and/or Fusobacterium species.
o Experience working with phages
o Experience working with anaerobic bacteria

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Strong computing skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to assume responsibility and to work independently with minimal guidance
• Ability to work collaboratively with people from many different backgrounds
• Ability to train undergraduate students in experimental techniques

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time non-tenured Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 3/16/2026. The salary range for this position is strictly budgeted at $50,000 to $60,000. The starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations, and will not exceed the top of the designated range. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Visiting academic professionals are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois and the Visiting Academic Professionals/AAP-IEA-NEA union. For more information regarding the contract, please go to Visiting Academic Professionals.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Monday, February 23, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jana Lenz at janalenz@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

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Requisition ID: 1034567
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu