Post Doctoral Associate (Rongo Lab)

Rutgers University; Piscataway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug, and dental

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement benefits

Educational benefits for employees and

Life insurance coverage

Employee discount programs

Job summary

Rutgers University in Piscataway, NJ, seeks a PhD-level researcher to lead laboratory investigations into neuronal stress responses and hypoxic signaling using C. elegans.

You will work under the PI to perform genetics, biochemistry, and high-throughput analyses in a dynamic team environment. The role includes mentoring undergraduates, training in genetics, protein biochemistry, and microscopy, and contributing to manuscripts and grant proposals.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biology or subfield required with extensive research experience.
• Experience mentoring and teaching undergraduates in a lab setting.
• Strong ability to communicate science to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct grant-funded research including genetic analysis, biochemistry, and high-throughput techniques.
• Publish findings and contribute to grant proposals with data.
• Train and oversee undergraduate researchers in lab methodologies.

Skills

Genetics

Biochemistry

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Neurobiology

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in biology or subfield

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Photoshop

Epifluorescence microscopes

Gel electrophoresis

RNA isolation systems

PCR machines

Autoclaves

Apple computers

Windows PCs

Protein purification systems

Job description

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

Posting Summary

This position will support research in an externally funded program investigating neuronal stress responses and the hypoxia-response. The Rongo laboratory within the Waksman Institute, joint with the Department of Genetics, conducts molecular, genetic, cell biological, and biochemical research on questions related to nervous system function and hypoxic stress response. An individual is needed who can conduct research on questions related to how organisms respond to hypoxic stress and nervous system function using the model organism C. elegans. The individual will report directly to the laboratory Principle Investigator (PI).

Key Duties and Responsibilities

85 % 1. Conduct grant-funded research as directed by the PI (Dr. Rongo). This research will include performing C. elegans genetic analysis, biochemical experiments, recombinant DNA techniques, phenotypic analysis, epifluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, high throughput genomics, high throughput proteomics (e.g., mass spectrometry), and high throughput metabolomics. 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.

15 % 2. Train and oversee undergraduate researchers within the lab on related projects. This training will include showing undergraduates the methodologies of C. elegans 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.

Position Status

Full Time

Posting Number

26FA0874

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 and teaching students.

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

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

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with C. elegans genetics, experience studying the hypoxia response pathway, experience studying nervous system function and development, experience studying metabolism, experience studying transcriptional and translational responses and regulation, experience with training undergraduates in a laboratory setting.

Equipment Utilized

Must be familiar with Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. Must be familiar with epifluorescence microscopes, gel electrophoresis, RNA isolation systems, PCR machines, autoclaves, Apple computers, Windows PC’s, electrophoresis equipment, and protein purification systems (e.g., tissue homogenization and chromatography).

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.

Location

Waksman Institute of Microbiology, 190 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854

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

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of Professional References (contact Info)

Optional Documents

• Transcript (Unofficial)
• Other Document
• Certifications/Licenses

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