Research Associate Jobs

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The Waksman Institute at Rutgers University seeks a Research Associate to conduct research in investigating growth control, morphogenesis, and tissue mechanics in development and disease states. The laboratory within the Waksman Institute, joint with the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, conducts molecular, genetic, cell biological, and biochemical research on questions related to the control of organ growth and morphogenesis. An individual is needed who can conduct research on questions related to biomechanical signaling, organ growth, and development using Drosophila.Conduct grant-funded research as directed by the PI (Dr. Irvine), consistent with the research objectives of the Irvine lab. This includes research on Dachsous-Fat signaling and its role in growth control and morphogenesis, using Drosophila models. It is expected that the research findings will be published, with the individual contributing to the writing and production of the resulting manuscript. It is expected that the research findings will be provided as preliminary data for grant proposals, with the individual contributing to the writing and production of such proposals. Train and oversee undergraduate researchers, early stage graduate student researchers, and research technicians within the lab on related projects. This training will include showing trainees the methodologies of Drosophila husbandry and genetics, recombinant DNA techniques, protein biochemistry, and microscopy, Powerpoint oral presentation of data, poster presentation of data, proper record and notebook keeping, and basic laboratory techniques. It is expected that trainees will have clear guidance and training on projects, and that they will grow towards independence under this mentorship. The individual will report directly to the laboratory Principle Investigator (PI).
Position Status
COVID-19 Immunization Requirement
Under Policy 60.1.35 , Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated and have received a booster (where eligible) against COVID -19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Prospective employees who are not eligible for a booster at the time of an offer of employment must provide proof they have received a booster within two weeks (14 calendar days) of eligibility . Based on current guidance, individuals are considered fully vaccinated against COVID -19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of any COVID -19 vaccine authorized or approved for use in the United States by the United States Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) and recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices ( ACIP ) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ). Eligibility for a booster against COVID -19 varies and is explained on the University’s web site located at https://coronavirus.rutgers.edu/covid-19-vaccine . Failure to provide proof of primary vaccination and booster will result in rescission of a prospective employee’s offer of employment and/or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Posting Number 23FA0553
Posting Open Date 05/19/2023
Posting Close Date 06/30/2023
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in biology or subfield thereof (e.g., genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, cell biology, neurobiology), multiple years of relevant research experience in academia, and experience mentoring students. Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and should be able to effectively communicate science to a variety of audiences.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
An education in genetics and molecular biology is required in order for the individual to effectively conduct research in this area, and train students in research. The research projects cover a large span of life science topics and technical approaches, including genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology.
Experience with Drosophila genetics, experience with immunostaining and confocal microscopy, experience studying the Dachsous-Fat signaling pathway, experience studying mechanotransduction, experience with training and supervising undergraduates in a laboratory setting.
Must be familiar with Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and Fiji. Must be familiar with confocal microscopes, tissue dissection and staining, gel electrophoresis, PCR machines, Apple computers, Windows PC’s, western blotting, and quantitative image analysis.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Able to stand, lift, bend. Able to occasionally lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Able to reach and grasp with arms and hands. Work involves possible exposure to malodorous vapors and toxic chemicals. Long periods of standing and/or sitting.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements Under Policy 60.1.35 Immunization Policy for Rutgers Employees and Prospective Employees , Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated and have received a booster (where eligible) against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Employees who are not eligible for a booster at the time of an offer of employment must provide proof they have received a booster upon eligibility and upload proof of same. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Posting Specific Questions
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Required Documents Cover Letter/Letter of ApplicationCurriculum VitaeList of Professional References (contact Info) Optional Documents
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement .
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