Research Associate II

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate II provides operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate II will perform research experiments as defined by the PI with a degree of independence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project
• Utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used
• Interpret data, form conclusions and decide on next steps with a degree of independence while under the direction of the PI or designee
• Maintain accurate records, may modify protocols with the approval of the PI or designee
• Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects
• Record results according to established lab, sponsor & university protocol
• Assist with performing data analysis and/or mathematical computations
• Maintain a detailed lab notebook according to lab practice
• Present findings at lab/group meetings
• Monitor laboratory supply levels and order as noted
• May assist with laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment
• Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc.
• Assist with and comply with all safety regulation and infection control standards
• Train on IACUC, IRB, EHS, Radiation safety protocols
• Comply with all applicable state, federal university, and sponsor policies and agreements
• Provide support with identifying problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions
• May assist with the training of new lab personnel
• Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
• May assist with drafting manuscripts sections
• Perform other duties as required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Biological or Natural Science and 18 months of relevant research experience or a related Master's degree.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
• Ability to work in a team environment

About the Gordan lab: We are an interdisciplinary lab that combines computational and experimental techniques to understand and characterize gene regulatory processes and DNA damage repair in eukaryotic cells. Research projects include: 1) deciphering the DNA-binding recognition properties of transcription factors and repair enzymes; 2) predicting the effects of non-coding genetic variants on transcription factor binding and gene regulation; 3) deciphering the interplay between transcription factors and DNA damage repair, with a strong focus on characterizing the unexpected roles of transcription factors in increasing DNA mutagenesis; and 4) improving guide RNA design methods through a better understanding of the DNA recognition properties of Cas proteins, with the long-term goal of improving epigenome editing for gene regulation projects.

About the position: The research associate in this position will perform a variety of molecular biology, biochemistry, and genomic assays in support of the research projects in the lab. These include small-scale experiments such as: cloning transcription factor proteins into expression vectors; expressing and purifying recombinant proteins using bacterial or other expression systems; measuring protein-DNA binding by gel-shift assays or fluorescence anisotropy; running DNA and protein gels; cloning exogenous DNA fragment into yeast cells; etc. High-throughput experiments include: chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by DNA sequencing; high-throughput SELEX-type assays to measure protein-DNA interactions and DNA damage; protein-DNA binding assays on high-density DNA chips; DNA library preparation for sequencing experiments; etc. Experience with yeast and mammalian cell culture is desirable.

In addition to the technical duties, the research associate will set up and maintain laboratory equipment, perform routine laboratory management activities (order supplies, keep a sufficient inventory of supplies, and equipment), assist with laboratory safety audits, train laboratory personnel and trainees, and work closely with trainees on ongoing research projects.