University of Colorado - Orono, ME
posted about 1 month ago
Full-time - Entry Level
Orono, ME
1,001-5,000 employees
Educational Services
About the position
The Scientific Research Specialist position at the University of Maine is a full-time, temporary role focused on plant genetics research, including plant genomics, viromics, and potato breeding. The specialist will work collaboratively on various projects, performing laboratory maintenance, plant care, and data management tasks, while also conducting independent research activities.
Responsibilities
- Provide assistance as a team member on projects related to plant genetics in the lab, greenhouse, and field.
- Perform duties related to laboratory maintenance and plant care.
- Work independently on assigned tasks such as sample collection, leaf tissue collection, and sample extraction in the laboratory.
- Enter and organize data related to the project, laboratory stocks, and inventories.
- Perform basic data analysis to generate visualization plots for team members.
Requirements
- Typically has the education associated with a bachelor's degree in a plant science field or other related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as a productive team member.
- Strong attention to detail for data collection, following protocols and instructions from team leaders on the project.
- Basic analytical skills to assess and perform statistical analysis on quantitative data and generate visualization plots.
- Experience with DNA and RNA extraction from plant tissues, use of PCR-based markers, and quantitative fluorescent-based PCR methodologies.
- Experience in maintenance of growing plants in the chambers or greenhouse, and general plant tissue culture techniques.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with R or other programming languages.
- Familiarity with sequencing technologies and bioinformatic pipelines, especially the use of long-read sequencing for genome assemblies.
- Interest in contributing to research for peer-reviewed publications.
Benefits
- Tuition benefits (employee and dependent)
- Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability
- Retirement plan options
