Adjunct Researcher - Physics & Astronomy - Rob Davis Research Lab

Job Title: Adjunct Researcher - Physics & Astronomy - Rob Davis Research Lab

Posting End Date:  July 6, 2026

*NOTE: Last day to apply is Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 11:59pm (MT)

Position Start Date: September 2, 2026

Required Degree: 

• Master’s degree in physics, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, materials science, or a closely related field, REQUIRED
• PhD in physics, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, materials science, or a closely related field, PREFERRED

The required degree must be completed by the start date. 

Experience: 

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with nucleic acid handling, preparation, purification, characterization, or analysis.
• Ability to manage experimental workflows and maintain organized research records.
• Ability to train, supervise, and mentor undergraduate researchers in a laboratory setting.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work on campus in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in nucleic acid nanotechnology.
• Experience attaching DNA oligomers or other nucleic acid constructs to inorganic surfaces.
• Experience with RNA purification and quality assessment.
• Experience with nucleic acid characterization methods, such as gel electrophoresis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence-based assays, chromatography, qPCR, or related analytical techniques.
• Experience managing research projects or coordinating progress toward technical milestones.
• Experience supervising undergraduate research assistants.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, molecular biology, nanotechnology, and materials science.

Duties/Expectations: 

Manage day-to-day research activities for the Rob Davis Research Lab:

• Develop, implement, and troubleshoot experimental protocols
• Prepare and purify RNA and related nucleic acid materials
• Characterize nucleic acid constructs and surface-bound DNA oligomers
• Analyze experimental data
• Maintain accurate research records
• Coordinate progress toward project milestones

The Adjunct Researcher will also help direct undergraduate researchers working on the project:

• Train students in relevant laboratory methods
• Supervise day-to-day research activities
• Mentor students in experimental design and data analysis
• Help to ensure appropriate laboratory safety and research compliance practices

The position is expected to be performed on campus.

Documents Required at the Time of Application: Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter, and Mission Alignment Statement (instructions below) to the faculty application.

Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered. 

This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.

MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

If you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it “bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel” (Spencer W. Kimball).

If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend. All employees are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrines of the affiliated church.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.