Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Maine System • Orono, ME

21h • $62,232

About The Position

A postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Dr. Clarissa Henry at the
University of Maine. The Henry lab uses zebrafish as a model to elucidate
mechanisms underlying neuromuscular development and homeostasis. This current
project focuses on tissue-specific roles for muscle-matrix adhesion in
neuromuscular development and during neurodegenerative disease.

The candidate will join a collaborative research community with a newly built
zebrafish facility and strong microscopy resources. Typical hiring salary for
this soft-money funded position is up to $62,232 commensurate with
qualifications and experience.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Development, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related field by start date.
• Experience with zebrafish husbandry and basic manipulation
• Significant experience with confocal microscopy
• Significant experience with time-lapse confocal microscopy
• Significant experience with image analysis using multiple approaches
• Strong background in molecular biology techniques
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills
• Excellent problem-solving abilities
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new techniques
• First author publication(s) in peer-reviewed journal

Nice To Haves

• Strong motivation and independence
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Time management and organizational skills
• Experience mentoring junior researchers

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct hypothesis-driven experiments to elucidate mechanisms of neuromuscular degeneration
• Maintain, generate, and characterize transgenic and mutant zebrafish lines relevant to neuromuscular degenerative diseases
• Perform live imaging studies using confocal and light-sheet microscopy
• Utilize genetic mosaic analysis to determine cell-intrinsic versus intrinsic roles for genes implicated in muscular dystrophies
• Execute molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cloning, HRMA, Taqman, and sample preparation for deep sequencing
• Analyze complex datasets using appropriate statistical methods
• Integrate multi-modal data (e.g., genetics, imaging, and omics) to drive research insights
• Interpret results within the context of current scientific literature
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges and technical issues
• Maintain detailed, organized laboratory notebooks and records
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Present research findings at national and international conferences
• Contribute to grant applications and project progress reports
• Develops and maintains professional relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect.
• Builds productive relationships with internal and external constituencies.
• Utilizes coaching and mentoring methods which provide an environment that is anticipatory, supportive, and encourages constructive feedback on performance.
• Commits to organizational improvement by identifying opportunities to improve, and recommending possible alternatives for a situation.
• Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits
• tuition benefits (employee and dependent)
• comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options.

What This Job Offers

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