Research Associate II, Biological Sciences

University of Delaware; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Delaware in Newark, DE is seeking a Research Associate II in Biological Sciences to participate in studies on mechanisms regulating extracellular vesicle shedding and uptake in neurons using C. elegans.

You will conduct imaging, genetics, and cell biology experiments, maintain notebooks, and analyze data to generate publication-ready figures. The role requires designing experiments, developing protocols, and collaborating with graduate and undergraduate students, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or related field with 2+ years of related experience.
• Experience in independent research using cellular and molecular biology techniques.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; plasmid design, DNA sequencing and image analysis software.
• Experience with confocal microscopy preferred.
• Knowledge of lab facilities/equipment maintenance.
• Background in genetics.
• Strong organizational and oral communication skills.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and design/coordinate research protocols.
• Ability to work with diverse teams and individuals.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct C. elegans experiments requiring genetics understanding and data analysis.
• Operate light and fluorescence microscopes, centrifuges, pH meters, balances, spectrophotometers, gel documentation systems.
• Perform live animal confocal imaging and analyze images with Imaris and ImageJ.
• Design and create new C. elegans strains using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
• Carry out molecular biology and biochemical techniques including PCR, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and co-immunoprecipitation.
• Review primary literature to guide experiments and interpret results.
• Present results to lab group and plan future work.
• Collaborate with graduate and undergraduate students in the lab.
• Maintain safety and proper handling of hazardous materials; uphold EH&S standards.
• Manage strain and primer databases, monitor inventory, and order supplies.

Skills

Organizational skills and oral comms

Interpersonal skills

Genetics knowledge

Imaging software (ImageJ, Imaris)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

Imaris

ImageJ

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing

Microsoft Office

DNA sequencing

Job description

Research Associate II, Biological Sciences

Pay Grade: 29E

Department: Biological Sciences

College/Admin Office: Arts & Sciences

Location: Newark, DE

Context of Job:

Under the general direction and supervision of Dr. Tanis, the Research Associate II will participate in research to identify mechanisms that regulate the shedding and uptake of extracellular vesicles from neurons utilizing the model organism C. elegans. The Research Associate will use a wide range of imaging, genetic, cell biological and biochemical approaches. The researcher will conceptualize, design and carry out experiments, maintain a notebook describing experimental procedures and results, analyze resulting data, and create figures.

Major Responsibilities:

• Plan and conduct experiments using C. elegans that require an understanding of genetics; analyze data and interpret results
• Operate basic laboratory equipment such as light microscopes, fluorescent microscopes, centrifuges, pH meters, analytical balances, spectrophotometers and gel documentation systems
• Perform live animal confocal imaging and analysis of acquired images with Imaris and ImageJ software.
• Design and create new C. elegans strains using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
• Perform molecular biology and biochemical techniques including PCR, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and co-immunoprecipitation.
• Utilize information taken from primary journal articles to carry out relevant experiments and interpret results.
• Present experimental results to the lab group for discussion and future planning.
• Communicate and work with graduate and undergraduate students in the research lab.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, making minor adjustments to equipment when necessary; develop protocols to assist lab members in proper use of equipment.
• Comply with Department of Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA, and biohazard safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents; promote workplace safety.
• Maintain laboratory strain and primer databases, monitor inventory levels, and order supplies in accordance with established policies.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or a related field and two years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education.
• Experience working in a laboratory on an independent research project with cellular and molecular biology techniques.
• Knowledge and skill working with Microsoft suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), plasmid design, DNA sequencing and image analysis software.
• Experience with confocal microscopy preferred.
• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or equipment.
• Must have a background in genetics.
• Effective organizational skills and oral communication skills.
• Ability to understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures; ability to design, organize, and coordinate scientific and/or engineering research projects; as well as ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol.
• Ability to interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

Environmental/Occupational Exposures:

• Work environment may include working in a cold room for short periods of time.
• Frequently required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials.

Special Requirements:

• Without assistance, must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Requires dexterity in handling delicate and hazardous materials and the ability to accurately discern colors and measure laboratory materials.
• Must be able to work various and sometimes long hours due to the timing on experiments, including possibly weekends and evenings.

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.