HudsonAlpha - Research Associate I - Clevenger Lab

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology•Huntsville, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (www.hudsonalpha.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics and personalized medicine. The Clevenger lab uses genomics to support molecular breeding with an emphasis on promoting sustainable agriculture in the southeast. Emphasis is on tool development for direct application in breeding, including optimizing methods for genetic mapping with emphasis on functional variant discovery, innovating using pangenomes for more accurate identification of genes controlling traits of interest, developing novel pipelines for genotyping structured populations quickly and cost-effectively, and optimizing and deploying genome-assisted breeding techniques. The lab will support the breeding efforts of nascent breeding programs in Alabama with a current focus on peanuts. The work is product-driven, involves understanding whole agricultural systems and working across all disciplines of plant biology and agronomy, and is fast-paced. We will publish high-impact science, but the emphasis will be on direct real-world gains for the farmers of Alabama and the southeast; higher yields, disease resistance, stress tolerance, and nutritive value. The Research Associate carries out research protocols as determined by the Principal Investigator. The Associate follows procedures exactly as outlined, ensuring the consistency of research practices and, ultimately, helping ensure the consistency and integrity of project outcomes. The Associate also provides feedback in the case that procedures are not producing expected results. The Research Associate must understand laboratory procedure and safety. In addition to a general knowledge of the overall objectives of the research project, the Associate must have an understanding of the tactical methodology in particular. The Associate works under the direction of a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, research assistant with supervisory responsibilities, senior scientist, or the lab Principal Investigator, communicating progress and advising of any issues that arise. The Associate must be able to adapt to modifications in protocol, changes in equipment or upgrades in software, as well as adjustments to the scope of research projects. Research Associate positions fall among several levels that are generally progressive and reflect increasing proficiency. However, it is not to be expected that a Research Associate will continually promote upward. The assigned level depends on the complexity of actual duties and responsibilities and is not necessarily a reflection of tenure. Research Associates may work directly with materials or with data.

Requirements

Either a high school diploma and 2 years' experience, an associates degree, or a bachelors
Meticulous attention to detail, both in actual laboratory practice and in documentation
Excellent laboratory skills, including proficiency in pipetting, documentation, and procedure (clinical, sterile, or molecular, depending on the needs of the laboratory)
Ability to accurately convert measurements as required
Ability to understand protocols, clarify as needed, and perform protocols with consistency, as demonstrated through previous laboratory experience
Ability to operate basic equipment (PCR machine, gel electrophoresis, tabletop centrifuge, etc.) and troubleshoot basic problems
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 in order to pipette accurately.
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

While not required, a degree in a "STEM" field is preferred
While not required, experience with mammalian cell culture is preferred

Responsibilities

Hands-on laboratory work, executing research assignments according to protocol established by lead investigator in methodology
Immediately reviews initial outcomes for quality and consistency
Maintains an accurate and up-to-date laboratory notebook or tracks work as required by the project or supervisor
Participates in general lab maintenance such as cleaning freezers, shared lab space and equipment, and stocking and/or ordering shared reagents and consumables
Other duties as assigned

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