The Department of Internal Medicine Research Division seeks a Lab Specialist to work with Principal Investigators and Co-Investigators on NIH and VA-sponsored research projects. This position is responsible to the Principal Investigator for coordinating and supporting multiple research projects focused on CRISPR-mediated gene-editing therapeutics for HIV and HBV using animal models.

The Lab Specialist will assist faculty members in establishing a nanomedicine facility within the Department of Internal Medicine, coordinate daily laboratory operations, and support research efforts examining molecular mechanisms in relevant disease models. This role also includes teaching and training of Ph.D. graduate students and junior laboratory personnel.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Coordinate daily operations of the laboratory and ensure smooth execution of multiple concurrent research projects
• Support NIH- and VA-funded studies involving CRISPR-based HIV and HBV gene-editing therapeutics in animal models
• Assist faculty in the development and establishment of a nanomedicine research facility
• Conduct experiments and manage experimental platforms
• Prepare laboratory reagents, solutions, and assay materials
• Procure laboratory supplies and maintain inventory
• Train and mentor Ph.D. students, undergraduate students, and junior technicians
• Perform other related duties as assigned
• Working knowledge and hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, with a preference toward individuals with animal care, teaching and training experience, and immunology/inflammation experience.
• Proficiency with computers and laboratory data systems

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, with a preference toward individuals with a degree in microbiology.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in a research laboratory setting, with a preference toward individuals with 5 years of experience.

Compensation and Benefits

• Job Family - Research Study Coordinator 2

• Salary – MR7

• For information regarding benefits, please visit

  Application Instructions

  • Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.

  • Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check.

  • Documents needed to apply: Cover Letter and Resume

  ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

  University Overview (as needed)

  East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution’s mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.
  
  
  Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position’s essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.