Research Associate

UNC-Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of the Research Associate is to support the work of Dr. Tessa Andermann. This position will perform laboratory and data analysis for molecular studies of the gut microbiome of immunocompromised patients in the Andermann Lab at UNC -CH. The researcher will perform laboratory tasks related to shotgun metagenomic sequencing (DNA extraction, library prep/PCR, pooling of samples) and bioinformatics (primarily stool metagenomics). This work will include conducting complex experiments, which will entail adaptation and modification of existing procedures in the laboratory. To support this experimental work, the position will require review and interpretation of relevant literature, analysis of complex data, as well as data interpretation. The researcher will work under the close direction of the principal investigator, Dr. Tessa Andermann, in collaboration with other labs and PIs as part of the Lineberger Cancer Center and the Division of Infectious Diseases. Dr. Andermann is an Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases. The Division of Infectious Diseases develops ongoing clinical, educational, and research programs directed toward the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Working throughout the state and across campus, the Division’s goals include: (1) Improving clinical care in infectious diseases, including activities related to the management of immunocompromised patients with infectious diseases; activities related to emerging pathogens and clinical outreach; and (2) Coordinating basic and applied research in infectious diseases and fostering collaboration among other investigators and researchers.

Requirements

• Experience with molecular biology and microbiology laboratory techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR, and preparation of next-generation sequencing libraries.
• Experience with shotgun metagenomic and/or 16S rRNA sequencing and the associated bioinformatic analysis.
• Proficiency with bioinformatics workflows for taxonomic profiling of microbial communities and detection of antimicrobial resistance genes, including work in a command-line (Unix/Linux) environment and a statistical or scripting language such as R or Python.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to adapt, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to critically analyze and interpret complex datasets.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience investigating the gut microbiome in immunocompromised patients.
• Culturing and microbiology laboratory skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory tasks related to shotgun metagenomic sequencing (DNA extraction, library prep/PCR, pooling of samples).
• Perform bioinformatics analysis, primarily stool metagenomics.
• Conduct complex experiments, including adaptation and modification of existing procedures.
• Review and interpret relevant literature.
• Analyze and interpret complex data.
• Collaborate with other labs and PIs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed