| Job Description: |
The ideal candidate will have broad experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques using echinoderms, including sea stars (e.g., Patiria miniata) and sea urchins (e.g., Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, Lytechinus variegatus). The ideal candidate will be familiar with methods such as DNA and RNA extraction, in situ hybridization, gene manipulation/editing techniques (morpholinos, CRISPR/Cas9), microinjection of embryos, transgenesis, quantitative PCR, single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis, gene regulatory network construction and modeling, epifluorescence and confocal microscopy, and cloning. Experience with bioinformatic/computational analysis of high-throughput sequencing data is preferred. Experience with maintaining and feeding marine invertebrates, including breeding colonies of echinoderms, is required.
The Biological Scientist will oversee all molecular and functional genomic research activity of the lab’s Principal Investigator (PI). It is expected that the incumbent will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of experiments that include the design and execution of experiments, leading research activities related to these topics, performing data analysis, and writing manuscripts and grants.
Additional work includes:
• Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work
• Review reports and proposals for accuracy, adequacy, or adherence to policies, regulations, or scientific standards
• Monitor or operate specialized equipment
• Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects
• Provide routine maintenance on laboratory equipment; verify that equipment and instrumentation are maintained in working condition to ensure accuracy and quality of experimental results
• Evaluate/recommend new supplies, technologies, and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings for enhancing or complementing research
• Confer with vendors to evaluate new equipment or reagents or to discuss the customization of product lines to meet user requirements
• Maintain accurate laboratory records that record research methods, procedures, and results; prepare and maintain research findings, summaries, logs, and notes
• Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data
Perform research as part of a team, as well as train and mentor other lab members on established or new protocols that are established. This position will also lead and assist with the care and maintenance of the lab’s breeding colonies of echinoderms.
The proposed incumbent will also have the following responsibilities:
• Create standard protocols for all laboratory operations/equipment to PI’s standards; Insure Standard Operating Procedures and protocols are maintained and applied,
• Maintain detailed record keeping and data collection of all experiments,
• Maintain the laboratory equipment and physical laboratory area,
• Coordinate the developmental safety program for all laboratory settings, or specialized scientific or hazardous materials stores,
• Outline experimental protocols,
• Review papers and abstracts,
• Be able to relay information to the public, students, and fellow scientists,
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations for hazardous waste disposal,
• Develop laboratory procedures,
• Monitor laboratory operating budgets and expenditures; identify purchasing needs; obtain and evaluate vendor quotations; initiate and track purchase requests; coordinate procurement of equipment and supplies; and communicate with vendors and institutional purchasing personnel regarding orders, invoices, delivery, and product requirements.
• Aid in selection of methodology and techniques and develop a research budget that fits within the scope of grant opportunities,
• Perform basic statistical evaluation and assistance with preparation of manuscripts and grant proposals, literature searches, retrieval of material, data processing and entry for research duties,
• Coordinate multiple concurrent research projects and associated activities, including establishing timelines, prioritizing tasks, monitoring progress toward milestones, coordinating personnel and resources, and communicating project status and anticipated needs to the PI.
• Help students/PI analyze existing methodologies, formulate hypotheses, and develop new procedures, strong experimental design techniques, and understanding
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| Preferred: |
Candidates should have at least 2-3 years of post-Ph.D. degree training, evidence of publication in leading journals within the field, and work experience by the time of employment. Postdoctoral experience in the mentioned fields is highly desired. The candidate should be familiar with university purchasing and data management systems.
This individual should be able to work effectively with peers, leadership, faculty, and outside organizations, manage multiple projects, prioritize duties, and work well under pressure. This individual should be enthusiastic about the Whitney Lab's mission, highly motivated and dedicated to their work, and able to function well as part of a larger team. The individual must have excellent personal service skills, communication skills, and the ability to converse, teach, and/or work around people of all ages. Must have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to change priorities and address challenges in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge and experience with personal computers, database programs, and audiovisual equipment are preferred.
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