Assistant Research Professor (CY) Barber Lab

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 84,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug, and dental

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement benefits (defined contrib.)

Educational benefits

Life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers University’s Waksman Institute of Microbiology seeks an Assistant Research Professor to lead independent research on circadian output neuronal circuits in Drosophila. The role involves designing studies, performing advanced neuroscience assays, and publishing results under the supervision of PI Dr.

Barber. The candidate will supervise undergraduates, develop experimental workflows, train lab members, and contribute to high-impact publications while coordinating with a multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biology or subfield thereof with multiple years of relevant research experience and mentoring/teaching.

Responsibilities

• Conduct grant-funded research including design, execution, troubleshooting, data analysis, and manuscript preparation; contribute to grant proposals.
• Train and supervise undergraduate researchers in lab methods, data presentation, and record-keeping.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Mentoring

Teaching

Education

Ph.D. in biology or subfield thereof

Tools

Epifluorescence microscopy

Gel electrophoresis

RNA isolation systems

PCR machines

Autoclaves

Fly feeding and locomotor behavior assays

Optogenetics equipment

Job description

Position Details

Assistant Research Professor (CY) Barber Lab

Waksman Institute of Microbiol

Salary: 93588

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status

Full Time

Posting Summary

The Assistant Research Professor, Non-Tenure Track, Calendar Year, will develop and maintain a interdependent research direction in an externally funded program investigating circadian output neuronal circuit mapping and physiology. The laboratory within the Waksman Institute, joint with the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, conducts molecular, genetic, neurophysiological, metabolic, and behavioral research on questions related to Drosophila circadian nervous system function and behavior in response to salient internal and external cues. An individual is needed who can design new studies, conduct research on questions related to Drosophila circuit reconstruction, neurophysiology, and behavioral genetics, independently perform analyses and troubleshooting, train and supervise others in key techniques and write up findings for publication. The individual will report directly to the laboratory Principal Investigator (PI), Annika Barber.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• 85 % 1. Conduct grant-funded research as directed by the PI (Dr. Barber). This research will include designing, performing, and troubleshooting Drosophila behavioral genetics assays, biochemical experiments, recombinant DNA techniques, phenotypic analysis, epifluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, high throughput genomics, and high throughput metabolomics. It is expected that the research findings will be published, with the individual contributing substantially to the analysis, data visualization, 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.
• 15 % 2. Train and oversee undergraduate researchers within the lab on related projects. This training will include showing undergraduates the methodologies of Drosophila husbandry and genetics, recombinant DNA techniques, protein biochemistry, microscopy, high throughput genomics and analysis, PowerPoint oral presentation of data, poster presentation of data, proper record and notebook keeping, and basic laboratory techniques. It is expected that trained students will have clear guidance and training on projects, and that they will grow towards independence under this mentorship.

Level of Decision Making

Under the broad direction of the P.I., the individual is responsible for research and teaching. With regard to the research component of the position, the P.I. will act as supervisor, overseeing decisions concerning experiments. In consultation with the P.I., the individual will carry out experiments and protocols and provide verbal and written communication of these results. Must be able to use independent thinking and prioritize for deadlines and submissions. Position requires an ability to plan and interpret details of laboratory experiments. Requires the ability to anticipate reagent needs of the research based on previous experience and research strategy.

Scope and Impact

This position requires the performance of professional work in support of the scientific research of a single lab comprising about 10 individuals. This may involve assisting in determining suitable methods to be used in research and performing scientific investigative procedures requiring the application of professional judgment and technology. Employee must be able to assemble and organize data, as well as to assist in the interpretation of that data. This individual will be performing research experiments under the direct supervision of the P.I. Results of experiments will be reported to the PI and the laboratory group through daily or weekly meetings. This person will also contribute to the scientific discussions of the group. The individual must be conscientious and thorough.

Qualifications

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 and teaching students. Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and should be able to effectively communicate science to a variety of audiences.

An education in the life sciences is required in order for the individual to effectively teach genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology to undergraduates in the lab setting. The research projects cover a large span of life science topics and technical approaches, including genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, neurobiology, and molecular biology.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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 and teaching students. Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and should be able to effectively communicate science to a variety of audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Drosophila genetics, experience studying peripheral circadian clock biochemistry and physiology, experience in computational analysis of genomics data, experience studying metabolism, experience studying immune and inflammatory pathways in Drosophila, experience with training undergraduates in a laboratory setting.

Equipment Utilized

Must be familiar with Apple and Windows computer operating systems, Microsoft Office, OriginLab, and use of high performance computing clusters for data analysis. Must be familiar with epifluorescence microscopes, gel electrophoresis, RNA isolation systems, PCR machines, autoclaves, fly feeding and locomotor behavior assays, optogenetics equipment.

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.

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

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.

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 encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Location

Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Busch (RU-New Brunswick)

City: Piscataway

State: NJ

Location Details: Waksman Institute of Microbiology