TES Research Associate

Overview

The Harrison College of Pharmacy at Auburn University is seeking a temporary TES Research Associate to support a collaborative National Cancer Institute-funded UG3 project focused on natural product drug discovery for colorectal cancer prevention. The position will contribute at the interface of natural products chemistry, advanced analytical technologies, and cancer-prevention research in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Temporary Employment Services (TES). TES, a unit of the Auburn University Department of Human Resources, provides temporary employees to address short-term staffing needs, including special projects, peak workloads, seasonal work, emergencies, and temporary coverage. TES offers an opportunity to contribute professional skills while gaining experience in higher education.

Research Environment and Opportunities

The successful candidate will join a research program focused on natural product drug discovery. The position offers opportunities to contribute to manuscripts, grant development, conference presentations, and collaborations in cancer prevention and natural products research.

Application Materials

• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Brief statement of research interests and relevant experience.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Application contact: Dr. Angela I. Calderón | [email protected]

• Assistance in the place of a regular employee who is absent for a specified period of time
• Additional assistance during periods of abnormal or peak workloads
• Assistance with special projects
• Seasonal work
• Emergencies

Responsibilities

• Perform liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based analysis of compounds like natural products.
• Conduct bioactivity-guided evaluation of natural products using cell culture and LC-MS-based oncoprotein and enzyme assays.
• Investigate natural products with potential chemopreventive activity against colorectal cancer.
• Isolate, purify, and structurally characterize bioactive natural compounds.
• Maintain accurate experimental records; analyze, interpret, and communicate research findings.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and project-related reports.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary investigators participating in the UG3 project.
• Follow applicable laboratory safety, research integrity, and institutional requirements.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Natural Products Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a closely related field, at the time employment begins.
• Strong research experience in natural products chemistry or organic chemistry, including compound isolation, purification, and structure elucidation.
• Experience with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and analytical characterization of compounds, including natural products.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture techniques and in vitro bioassays.
• Experience with oncoprotein and enzyme-based assays and biological activity evaluation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of natural products chemistry, analytical characterization, and bioactivity-guided research workflows.
• Ability to perform careful laboratory work, troubleshoot experiments, and maintain organized records.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, time-management, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to communicate scientific information clearly and work productively with faculty, staff, trainees, and collaborators.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.