HudsonAlpha - Post Doctoral Researcher - Cochran Lab

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology • Huntsville, AL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing biotechnology and basic biological research. Its mission includes making significant discoveries, improving human health, fostering economic development, inspiring students towards science careers, and educating the public about science. Located in Huntsville, Alabama's Cummings Research Park, HudsonAlpha features advanced laboratories for research and education in genomics, genetics, and personalized medicine. The J. Nicholas Cochran laboratory specifically focuses on using genomic approaches to understand neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Current projects involve studying gene regulation in neurodegeneration, developing new methods to link genetic variations to these diseases, and applying genome-wide approaches. A significant aspect of this role involves contributing to studies aimed at understanding Alzheimer's disease risk in Alabamians through longitudinal assessments, including biomarkers and 'omics data. The Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to scientific discovery with the goal of publishing original research in scientific journals, utilizing HudsonAlpha's state-of-the-art technologies and shared services while pursuing research interests aligned with the Institute's ongoing projects.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in life sciences, biostatistics, or a related field
• Extensive laboratory and research experience that introduces or enhances a unique research capability at HudsonAlpha
• A track record of high-quality research work, as evidenced by manuscript publications and/or pre-prints
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a highly collaborative environment
• Experience advising on research methodology and analysis, as well as the ability to interpret laboratory results and provide conclusions
• Demonstrated ability to advance projects, managing multiple tasks and priorities
• Proficiency with laboratory software, tools, and equipment
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
• Frequently moving between work areas.
• Frequently moving, transporting, and positioning materials up to 30 pounds.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
• Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g., computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners) and laboratory equipment.
• Frequently position self (e.g., stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull/push, grasp/squeeze, wrist flexion/extension, reach to operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Continuous mental and visual attention, requiring sustained attention and observation.
• Excellent fine motor skills and hand control for accurate pipetting.
• Ability to sustain focus during research procedures (to maintain protocol, such as order of operations).
• Ability to visually observe results and record outcomes on lab logs and/or PC.
• Basic computer skills are required.
• Extensive documentation skills, good attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills are required.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
• Requires the ability to adapt to change efficiently.
• Ability to independently lead and conduct research, and to evaluate, interpret, and present complex scientific data.
• Capacity to work productively within functionally diverse teams as well as collaborate with external investigators and partners in academic and industrial settings.
• Ability to prioritize issues and use sound judgment to recognize when additional consultation and/or help is needed.
• Comfortable working on multiple projects at one time.
• Strong logical thinking and deduction skills.
• Ability to effectively present ideas and information in a variety of formats to a wide range of audiences.
• Positive, flexible, and professional attitude.

Nice To Haves

• Subject area familiarity and/or interest in genetics, genomics, neuroscience, or neurodegenerative diseases is desirable.
• Knowledge related to neuroscience and/or neurodegenerative diseases would be beneficial
• Experience with mammalian cell culture is highly preferred
• Experience with functional genomics approaches would be beneficial
• Knowledge of current bioinformatics approaches and/or programming skills in one or more languages (ie bash, Perl, Python, R) is not required, but would be beneficial

Responsibilities

• Conducts and contributes to original research under the guidance of the Faculty Investigator
• Provides expertise in research program design, conduct, and analysis
• Prepares manuscripts and co-authors papers for publication in high-quality journals
• Presents findings to the scientific community
• Assists in the mentoring and teaching of research staff
• Helps ensure that the research methods and ultimate work product are reflective of the highest scientific standards of integrity, quality, and confidence
• Exhibits curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery; embraces the ever-changing scientific environment
• Other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree