Research Associate

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Institute of Biological Chemistry (IBC) in Washington State University's College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences invites applications for a full-time, nine-month Research Associate appointment in Pullman, Washington. The position specializes in evaluation and certification of heat resilience in wheat. Work is divided between 90% research and 10% administration.

The Research Associate will conduct molecular and plant biology research, including design and production of GreenGate modules and constructs, CRISPR-Cas9 gene knockouts, and transgenic plants. The role also involves genotyping and phenotyping mutants and transgenic plants, recombinant protein production, protein-protein interaction assays, liquid-handling robot operation, confocal microscopy, image and data analysis, and manuscript writing. The associate will mentor graduate and undergraduate students and manage the laboratory.

Requirements

• PhD degree in genetics.
• Very strong expertise in genetics and cell biology relevant to plant systems.
• Extensive expertise in the GreenGate cloning system, including construct design, module production, and assembly.
• Extensive expertise in CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, transgenic plant production, genotyping, protein production, protein-protein interaction assays, and liquid-handling robotics.
• Skills in antibody preparation and characterization, protein expression, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
• Strong publication record in areas relevant to the position.

Nice To Haves

• Skills in light microscopy and image analysis.
• Experience with laboratory organization and management.

Responsibilities

• Design and produce GreenGate modules and constructs.
• Design and produce CRISPR-Cas9 gene knockouts.
• Produce transgenic plants.
• Genotype and phenotype mutants and transgenic plants.
• Produce recombinant proteins.
• Conduct protein-protein interaction assays.
• Operate a liquid-handling robot.
• Perform confocal microscopy and image analysis.
• Analyze data and write manuscripts.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Manage the laboratory.
• Perform research (90% of duties) and administration (10% of duties).

Benefits

• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Medical insurance for employees and dependents
• Dental insurance for employees and dependents
• Life insurance for employees and dependents
• Disability insurance for employees and dependents
• Retirement benefits
• Deferred compensation
• Optional supplemental retirement accounts

What This Job Offers

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