Technical Research Assistant II

Job Summary

This position is for primarily on-site, basic research in a research lab located in a dedicated research building (not a clinical hospital setting). Working independently, under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator, will conduct a variety of routine experiments where methodologies are clearly established and will determine whether results warrant repeating or modification. Calculates, transcribes, and analyzes data using basic statistics. May perform literature searches under direction of supervisor.

This position will focus on studies of human protein-DNA interactions and DNA regulatory elements by a combination of biochemical and cell culture based approaches. These data will aid in understanding mechanisms of transcriptional gene regulation and the impact of coding and noncoding genetic variation. This position provides an excellent opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge research in gene regulation and genomics, and offers a stimulating, academic environment, and the opportunity to work in a team setting involving experimental and computational scientists. This position also offers the opportunity to gain valuable written and oral communication skills, and the possibility for co-authorship on publications. This position is ideal for a recent college graduate seeking to gain additional laboratory research experience.

Responsibilities

• Working independently, under general supervision, performs routine laboratory procedures following established protocols.
• Preparation of solutions and media, growth of bacterial cultures, DNA mini- and midi-preps, submitting DNA samples for Sanger and Illumina DNA sequencing, preparation of E. coli glycerol stocks, mammalian cell culture, CRISPR/Cas genome editing, Gateway recombinational cloning, preparation of Illumina DNA sequencing libraries, restriction enzyme based or Gibson assembly DNA cloning, expression and purification of recombinant proteins, DNA and protein gel electrophoresis, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), PCR, Western blots, Coomassie or other staining of protein gels, in vitro transcription and translation, quantitative real-time PCR, RNA purification.
• Other duties may include: protein binding microarray (PBM) experiments and data analysis; other biochemical assays of protein-DNA binding activities; mammalian cell culture; lentiviral transduction of mammalian cells; chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP).
• Analyzes Sanger sequencing results, analyzes Illumina sequencing reads, analyzes quantitative real-time PCR data, performs DNA sequence motif analysis, protein sequence analysis and other computational sequence analyses, and prepares figures using R and other statistical analysis tools.
• Maintains complete daily records of methodologies and test results in laboratory notebook.
• May present results in lab meeting presentations.
• May prepare figures or sections of text for grant applications or manuscripts.
• Regularly reports findings to supervisor on a weekly basis.
• Identifies unusual findings and reports such findings to supervisor.
• Maintains equipment and supplies in a neat and orderly manner.
• Maintains chemical hood and tissue culture hood in a neat and orderly manner.
• Maintains chemical weigh bench and gel running bench in a clean & orderly state, including re-applying bench liners.
• Maintains the sinks in a clean & orderly state.
• Maintains established department policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as directed including providing technical support for postdoctoral associates, graduate students, and senior technical research staff working in the laboratory under the Principal Investigator’s supervision.
• Submits and/or places orders for supplies, chemicals, and other reagents.

Competencies

• Must have a sound understanding of laboratory policies and practical experience in laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Sound analytical and organizational skills.
• High degree of computer literacy.
• Must be able to work in a Linux environment.
• Must have good manual dexterity.
• Must have a flexible work schedule.
• Must demonstrate careful attention to detail.
• Ability to identify potential problems and trouble-shoot solutions.
• Must be able to maintain a neat and orderly working environment.
• Fluent command of spoken and written English is absolutely required.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism.

Qualifications

A recent Bachelor of Science degree in a biological science or related science or engineering field is required. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in another area of concentration may be considered if the applicant has had significant coursework in the sciences, has the required prior laboratory work experience, and demonstrates strong potential. Applicant must have basic Linux proficiency and preferably some computer programming experience. Must have at least one year of experience in a directly related research setting, such as from summer research experiences or other focused experiences in an independent research lab.