HudsonAlpha - Research Associate II - Myers Lab

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology • Huntsville, AL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This Research Associate (RA) position is in the Myers Lab supporting genomics research projects in a variety of basic and applied areas, including global genomic assays and functional characterization. The activities of the RA include: molecular techniques including restriction digests, ligations, annealing, gel electrophoresis, quantification of nucleic acids, bacterial cloning, nucleic acid extractions; mammalian cell culture using fully consented cell lines; preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing; and other cellular and molecular biology protocols. This position requires exacting attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work as part of a team as well as independently. 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.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a life or physical science field requiring hands-on laboratory work with 5 years experience, or a bachelor's degree in a life or physical science field requiring hands-on laboratory work and 7 years experience
• 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 (thermal cycler, gel electrophoresis, tabletop centrifuge, etc.) and troubleshoot basic problems
• 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, experience with mammalian cell culture is preferred
• While not required, subject area familiarity and/or interest in genetics, genomics, neuroscience, neuropsychiatric diseases, and/or neurodegenerative diseases is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on laboratory work, executing research assignments according to existing protocols
• Communicates with lab colleagues regarding shared equipment and reagent usage, experimental results, and any potential troubleshooting
• This position will periodically require limited weekend hours for performance of mammalian cell culture and/or molecular cloning procedures but will not exceed 40 total hours per week
• Immediately reviews initial outcomes for quality and consistency, and participates in team discussions regarding short-term and long-term goals
• Maintains an accurate and up-to-date laboratory notebook and 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

What This Job Offers

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