Research Assistant I

The Costes Laboratory at the Trivedi Institute for space and global biomedicine is seeking a Research Intern I to support the First Martian project, an effort focused on adapting extremophile organisms to survive Mars-relevant environmental conditions, including low atmospheric pressure, low temperature and hypoxic environments. Our lab employs methods from microbiology, molecular biology, environmental simulation coupled with multi-omics and high thruput imaging to study how organisms respond and adapt to extreme, planetary-analog stress conditions.

Job Summary

Performs laboratory culturing, maintenance, and experimental manipulation of extremophile microorganisms, including mutagenesis procedures aimed at adapting organisms to low-pressure and low-temperature environments. Operates and maintains laboratory and environmental simulation equipment, and assists with inventory and ordering.

Essential Functions

•       Culture and maintain extremophile microorganism strains under sterile technique.

•       Perform mutagenesis procedures and selection experiments to adapt organisms to reduced pressure and reduced temperature conditions.

•       Operate and monitor benchtop low-pressure/gas-composition simulation chambers, including pressure and atmosphere control systems.

•       Prepare and test experimental samples across varying pressure, temperature, and gas composition conditions.

•       Operate, maintain, and sterilize laboratory equipment; maintain general lab cleanliness.

•       Keep detailed and accurate experimental data, logbooks, and protocols.

•       Organize, document, and help analyze experimental results.

•       Maintain inventory and assist with ordering of lab supplies, reagents, and gases.

•       Follow all lab safety protocols, including safe handling of compressed gas cylinders and vacuum equipment.

Physical Effort

Moderate physical effort required. May be required to stand/move for several hours at a time. May be required to move objects up to 50 pounds (e.g., gas cylinders, equipment) with or without the assistance of equipment.

Currently enrolled in or recently completed a Bachelor's degree program in Microbiology, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or related field required.

No experience required; prior lab/microbiology experience preferred.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.