Staff Scientist (TAR)

University of Rochester

2d•$29 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of Professor Joseph Wedekind, the TAR Staff Scientist will conduct research in the Wedekind lab to elucidate the three-dimensional structures of non-coding (nc)RNAs and their regulatory ligands. The successful candidate will have a strong background in structural biology including skills in X-ray crystallography and small-angle scattering. Knowledge of neutron diffraction and scattering approaches would be beneficial. Structural knowledge will provide a foundation to investigate how specific ncRNA-ligand complexes regulate genes in live cells. Ligands include natural effectors, lab-evolved molecules, or effectors identified by screening or structure-guided design.

Requirements

Doctoral degree with major course work in the field of assignment and 2 years of relevant postdoctoral training required
Or equivalent combination of education and experience

Nice To Haves

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication preferred.
Strong analytical skills and ability to work both independently and within a team preferred.
Familiarity with X-ray diffraction and scattering, as well as neutron diffraction and scattering preferred.
Knowledge of major data analysis programs in the field preferred.

Responsibilities

Design experiments based on previous results and those in the literature.
Read the past and current literature to maintain a base of knowledge in the field.
Design templates to direct transcription for RNA production.
Design plasmids to direct protein overexpression.
Design experiments for labeling RNA for neutron scattering or diffraction experiments.
Design experiments to test ligand binding to RNA using structure-guided approaches for in vitro and cell-based approaches.
Design experiments to test ncRNA function in vitro or in vivo using reporter gene assays.
Carry out experiments, including crystallization, diffraction, scattering, isothermal titration calorimetry, protein expression, and protein purification.
Transcribe and purify RNA using PAGE, chromatography, or affinity approaches.
Develop and install project-specific operating procedures for the laboratory; independently operate basic and complex instrumentation.
Develop test methods/data sets or use existing tutorials for benchmarking; select procedures for data collection and treatment based on existing or acquired skills.
Develop new or utilize existing software/hardware for data collection, data reduction, analysis, model building and statistical treatment of data.
Participate in trouble shooting as needed; work with Dr. Wedekind or staff/students to solve problems using internal resources or external expertise.
Develop and control research project budgets in consultation with the P.I. Undertake responsibility for research project budget reports and records.
Recommend expenditures for major laboratory equipment and construction, as needed. Authorize expenditure for expendable supplies or maintenance.
Experiments will not always go as planned. The position will entail fine tuning and repeating experiments to elicit correctly executed outcomes and properly controlled experiments.
Train, supervise, and evaluate staff and students.
Directly train others with hands on and theoretical procedures.
Engage in continuous skill development of staff/trainees in lab techniques and instrumentation usage.
Advise staff/trainees on how to overcome technical problems; advise and assist staff/trainees with special research projects in your area(s) of expertise.
After conducting experiments, analyze data, and draw relevant conclusions based on the current system or analogous ones.
Communicate experimental results to Dr. Wedekind and/or other team members.
Assesses the importance of findings in relation to the overall research objectives; this may include recommendation of follow-up studies or a new series of experiments.
Prepare written reports with sufficient detail to allow reproduction of results by other team members or individuals outside the University (i.e., reproducibility and transparency).
Prepare necessary data for database deposition (e.g., the Protein Data Bank).
Generate appropriate figures suitable for publications and grants.
Work with the PI to compose manuscripts and grants.
Contribute to the design, interpretation, and writing of research publications or grants — meet expectations for co-authorship of scientific publications or PI/mPI /co-I on grants.
Analyze data and present in a format appropriate for publication.
Co-author research proposals, prepare regulatory documentation required for performance of research.
Write standard operating protocols to conduct research including: purpose of study, design of experiments, lists of materials and methods, and a timeline of activities.
Respond to reviews as necessary; resubmit after peer review.
Facilitate, participate, and attend lab meetings.
Attend departmental seminars or specialized training activities sponsored by the University, instrument manufacturers, or professional societies.
Attend and present new data at research conference(s).
Teach specialized classes/workshops to graduate students or trainees, such as those in the Biophysics Program core curriculum.
Ordering specialized items.
Chemical inventory and safety considerations of specialized reagents.
Stocking specialized reagents and supplies.
University safety training for biological, chemical, and radiation hazards.
Other specialized University training.