Research Specialist II

University of Rochester • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ

2d • $27 - $38 • Onsite

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

This role provides direct research and teaching support at the professional level by taking charge of a segment of research activities with moderate complexities in the Susiarjo laboratory. The position is responsible for conducting and analyzing experiments that comprise a coherent part of a larger project, which includes investigating gene-environment interactions during pregnancy and studying how exposures to endocrine disruptors modulates maternal and fetal health in mice; researching and resolving technical problems within the scope of those experiments. The role supervises daily aspects of the lab, such as planning and participating in experiments with other laboratory personnel. The role also supervises and trains all laboratory personnel on all aspects of animal care, maintenance, and standard laboratory practices. Handling and use of laboratory animals and chemicals will be required. Training in the safe handling of laboratory mice and chemicals is required and will be provided.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years related work experience involving direct assistance to researchers required.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment as needed required.
• Handling and use of laboratory animals and chemicals will be required.
• Training in the safe handling of laboratory mice and chemicals is required and will be provided.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree and experience with tissue culture, primary culture, and/or animal handling preferred.
• Demonstrated mathematical skills including basic algebra and the ability to use scientific notation preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills, communication skills, ability to use common sense, and demonstrate attention to detail.
• Knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office software including Powerpoint, Excel, and Word preferred.
• Operational understanding of complex laboratory equipment, including pyrosequencer and experiential knowledge of the workings of a research laboratory, including general knowledge of genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology methods.
• Microscopy skills are beneficial preferred.
• Prior experience in managing an academic research laboratory and handling research animals, tissue culture, molecular and cell biology methodology and/or knowledge of immunologically-based techniques are desired preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team and the capacity to design, organize, and analyze experimental data that serves as an invaluable tool in the publication of papers in scientific journals and obtaining future funding preferred.
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends to conduct experiments preferred.
• Prior experience in next generation sequencing (including RNA sequencing library design and preparation for Illumina sequencing platforms), bioinformatics, and data handling, as well as experience in independent research in DNA methylation and bisulfite pyrosequencing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct research and teaching support at the professional level by taking charge of a segment of research activities with moderate complexities in the Susiarjo laboratory.
• Conduct and analyze experiments that comprise a coherent part of a larger project, which includes investigating gene-environment interactions during pregnancy and studying how exposures to endocrine disruptors modulates maternal and fetal health in mice.
• Research and resolve technical problems within the scope of those experiments.
• Supervise daily aspects of the lab, such as planning and participating in experiments with other laboratory personnel.
• Supervise and train all laboratory personnel on all aspects of animal care, maintenance, and standard laboratory practices.
• Serve as lab manager for a Principal Investigator in the Department of Environmental Medicine.
• Work independently with only occasional suggestions to modify, vary or adapt standard laboratory procedures to perform research related activities to meet the specialized needs of the research projects of the Principal Investigator.
• Supervise other members of the laboratory, including junior technical staff, graduate students, undergraduates and work-study personnel (15%).
• Analyze and interpret acquired data, including appropriate statistical analyses; prepare data summaries reports, including tables and figures and make recommendations for future studies (15%).
• Assist Principal Investigator with writing grants and manuscripts for publication, including reading and interpreting primary scientific literature and preparing written summaries of this material (10%).
• Strict adherence to written SOPs is required; as is detailed, daily record keeping.
• Supervise the preparation and administering of reagents to animal subjects by lab personnel (oral, s.c., i.m., i.v., i.p., or inhalation).
• Oversee animal handling and management by lab personnel for the collection of tissue samples.
• Perform tissue removal and dissection from animals.
• Perform tissue preparation for various methods including RNA isolation, immunohistochemical and cytochemical analyses, biochemical and molecular biology assays.
• Work closely with the Principal Investigator in establishing genetic and epigenetic assays to be utilized by all laboratory staff.
• Ensure laboratory’s maintenance of computer records for laboratory supplies, animals and equipment are kept up-to-date.
• Ensure maintenance of chemical inventory is up-to-date and is in compliance with guidelines set by Environmental Health & Safety.
• Interact with sales representatives on behalf of Principal Investigator.
• Provide oversight and record keeping for hazardous waste disposal.
• Ensure that all laboratory staff are in compliance with Federal, State, and University regulations for use of laboratory animals and radioactivity, general laboratory health and safety.
• Oversee and maintain rodent colonies.
• Order and breed rodents for laboratory use.
• Ensure maintenance of rodent colonies is compliant with DLAM and UCAR.
• Prepare and maintain UCAR paperwork.
• Assist in writing approved laboratory protocols and SOPs for research.
• Develop and modify test methods, select procedures for data collection and handling.
• Work with UCAR, USDA, veterinary staff, AAALAC URMC Pharmacy.
• Prepare for and host laboratory inspections.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better.
• In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics).
• This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level