Research Assistant Professor (Calendar Year) - Rongo Lab

Rutgers University; Piscataway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 74,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug, and dental

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Rutgers University’s Waksman Institute of Microbiology seeks a Research Assistant Professor to lead investigations on mitochondrial quality control and mitophagy in C. elegans, under the Rongo Lab. The role reports to the PI and involves robust research, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

The position emphasizes training students, collaboration across genetics and biochemistry, and contributing to grant proposals and high-impact publications. A strong mentoring ethos is expected.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biology or subfield (e.g., genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology) and relevant research experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to convey science to diverse audiences.
• Experience mentoring and teaching students is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Conduct grant-funded research in C. elegans genetics, biochemistry, and related techniques.
• Oversee and train undergraduate researchers in lab methods and data presentation.
• Plan and interpret experiments, report results to PI and group, and contribute to manuscripts and proposals.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Presentation

Education

Ph.D. in biology or subfield

Tools

PowerPoint

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title Research Assistant Professor (Calendar Year) - Rongo Lab Department Waksman Institute of Microbiol Salary Details 82110.00 Offer Information

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.

Benefits

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

Support research in an externally funded program investigating mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy). 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 mitochondrial quality control and stress response (particularly in response to hypoxic stress). An individual is needed who can conduct research on questions related to how organisms respond to hypoxic stress and mitochondrial homeostasis (including mitophagy) using the model organism C. elegans. The individual will report directly to the laboratory Principle Investigator (PI), Christopher Rongo.

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.

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. After 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.

This position requires the performance of professional work in support of the scientific research of a single lab comprising about 5 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 may 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.

Position Status Full Time Posting Number 26FA0899 Posting Open Date Posting Close Date

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 and teaching students.

Required

Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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.

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 mitochondria, 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.

Posting Details

Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Busch (RU-New Brunswick) City Piscataway State NJ Location Details

Waksman Institute of Microbiology

190 Frelinghuysen Rd

Piscataway, NJ

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