Laboratory Assistant II - Biological Sciences

University of Arkansas System • Fayetteville, NC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nakanishi Lab at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, seeks a research associate to assist in studying cnidarian neural development and evolution. The laboratory’s research uses the sea anemone Nematostella Vectensis and the Moon Jellyfish Aurelia sp.1 as cnidarian experimental models. The research associate will be responsible for feeding, breeding and maintaining wildtype and transgenic Nematostella Vectensis and Aurelia sp.1 at the aquarium facility. In addition, the research associate will provide technical support for research activities in the laboratory, which may involve nucleic acid extraction, PCR, cloning, sequencing, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, microinjection, microdissection, transgenesis, genome editing via CRISPR/Cas9, and confocal microscopy. This person will facilitate research in the laboratory by ordering and maintaining lab equipment and supplies, ensuring EH&S compliance in the laboratory. This is a 1-year appointment, renewable based on the need for the position, availability of funding, and continued satisfactory level of performance in the role. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field from an accredited institution of higher education
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in biology or related field from an accredited institution of higher education
• Experience with cnidarians or other marine invertebrates
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Responsibilities

• Feeding, breeding and maintaining wildtype and transgenic Nematostella Vectensis and Aurelia sp.1 at the aquarium facility.
• Provide technical support for research activities in the laboratory, which may involve nucleic acid extraction, PCR, cloning, sequencing, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, microinjection, microdissection, transgenesis, genome editing via CRISPR/Cas9, and confocal microscopy.
• Facilitate research in the laboratory by ordering and maintaining lab equipment and supplies.
• Ensuring EH&S compliance in the laboratory.

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level