Assistant Research Specialist - Fan Lab

The Morgridge Institute for Research • Madison, WI

just now • Onsite

About The Position

The Fan lab at Morgridge Institute for Research and University of Wisconsin-Madison, which studies metabolism in innate immune cells, is recruiting a motivated and responsible applicant for a full-time assistant research specialist position. This role offers professional growth opportunities, including working within a supportive and collaborative team, receiving training and mentoring in research, and the expectation of co-authorship in multiple publications. It is also beneficial for experience building before applying to graduate school (e.g., Ph.D. program or M.D./Ph.D. program). The research associate will work alongside other lab members, mastering professional lab practices, including lab safety, scientific rigor, and maintaining organized, detailed, and up-to-date lab records. The position is best suited for a candidate intending to work in the lab for at least 2-3 years, unless already highly experienced in the required skills.

Requirements

• Candidates should hold a bachelor's or master's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology or closely related areas by the time of starting this position.
• Candidates should be organized and responsible, with strong skills in communication.
• Intends to work in the lab for at least 2-3 years, unless the candidate is already very experienced in the required skills.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in some of these techniques is desired but not required.
• Ideal candidates will have some scientific research experience and strong professional references from that experience.

Responsibilities

• Cell culture and cell isolation: isolate innate immune cells; culture primary cells or cell line, culture media preparation
• Animal Husbandry: maintain mouse colony
• Molecular biology: Conduct molecular cloning; assist in protein expression and purification; analyze proteins using immunoblotting; analyze gene expression using qPCR.
• Routine LC-MS based metabolomics and lipidomics: This work involves performing metabolite/lipid extraction, LC-MS analysis, data analysis, mobile phase buffer preparation, and basic maintenance tasks of LC-MS.
• Experimental collaboration: Work alongside other scientists on complex experiments.
• Experimental design & troubleshooting: Plan experiments, identify proper controls, interpret unexpected outcomes, and troubleshoot.
• Help teach techniques to other members of the laboratory (e.g., undergraduates and new graduate students) after developing technical independence.
• Master professional lab practices, including lab safety, scientific rigor, and maintaining an organized, detailed, and up-to-date lab record.

Benefits

• You will work within a supportive and collaborative team.
• You will receive training and mentoring in research.
• It is expected that the work as a research associate will lead to co-authorship in multiple publications.
• This position can be helpful in experience building before applying to graduate school (e.g., Ph.D. program or M.D./Ph.D. program).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees