Research Associate - Metabolism & Molecular Biology

The Morgridge Institute for Research•Madison, WI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Morgridge Institute for Research is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join Dr. Jonathan Stefely’s lab . This position is ideal for a recent college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in a science related field (e.g., chemistry, biochemistry, or biology) who is interested in gaining in-depth, full-time, hands-on basic science research experience for ~3 years before applying to graduate school (e.g., Ph.D. program or M.D./Ph.D. program). Core Responsibilities As a core member of the research team, you will receive direct technical training with fundamental basic science methods and techniques. The goal is to gradually develop independent expertise and productivity in the following scientific areas. After learning these skills yourself, you will also be asked to help teach them to other members of the laboratory (e.g., undergraduates and new graduate students). Molecular biology: Conduct molecular cloning using PCR, DNA gel electrophoresis, HiFi assembly, and sequencing. Protein science: Analyze proteins using protein gels (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting. Media and buffer preparation: Precisely prepare media and chemical solutions. Cell culture: use sterile technique while culturing prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. Transformation and transfection: Transform or transfect genetic constructs into cells. Experimental collaboration: Work alongside other scientists on complex biological and biochemical experiments (confocal microscopy, drug treatments of cells, etc). Experimental design & troubleshooting: Plan experiments, identify proper controls, interpret unexpected outcomes, and troubleshoot. Instrumentation: Safely operate, rigorously calibrate, and regularly maintain scientific instruments. Documentation: Maintain an organized, detailed, and up-to-date laboratory notebook and related electronic records. Laboratory standards: Master "gold standards" of a professional lab, including lab safety, scientific rigor, and supply management. Professional Growth & Pathways Mentorship: Work within a supportive and collaborative team at the Morgridge Institute, a private nonprofit dedicated to scientific research toward human health in partnership with UW-Madison. Launching pad toward graduate school: The ideal applicant would be an undergraduate senior (anticipated graduation this spring) looking to deepen their hands-on scientific research experience for ~3 years prior to applying for graduate school (e.g., Ph.D. program or M.D./Ph.D. program).

Requirements

Eligibility: Senior undergraduate student with GPA = 3.5 working toward a science-focused degree (e.g., chemistry, biochemistry, or biology) with anticipated graduation this spring.
Requirements: You must be detail-oriented, a strong communicator, and have demonstrated quantitative skills (e.g., good performance in mathematics and science coursework).

Nice To Haves

Ideal candidates will have some scientific research experience and a strong professional reference from that experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct molecular cloning using PCR, DNA gel electrophoresis, HiFi assembly, and sequencing.
Analyze proteins using protein gels (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting.
Precisely prepare media and chemical solutions.
use sterile technique while culturing prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells.
Transform or transfect genetic constructs into cells.
Work alongside other scientists on complex biological and biochemical experiments (confocal microscopy, drug treatments of cells, etc).
Plan experiments, identify proper controls, interpret unexpected outcomes, and troubleshoot.
Safely operate, rigorously calibrate, and regularly maintain scientific instruments.
Maintain an organized, detailed, and up-to-date laboratory notebook and related electronic records.
Master "gold standards" of a professional lab, including lab safety, scientific rigor, and supply management.