Research Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Research Scientist

JOB LOCATION: Coralville, IA (Onsite Position)

Contract Duration: 12 months

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Research Scientist II, under minimal supervision, conducts bench scientific experimentation that advances the basic science of nucleic acids and nucleic acid biochemistry and assists with development and characterization of new genomics products in NGS, qPCR and functional genomics. This position is responsible for planning and executing experiments, analyzing data and reporting/presenting findings as well as supporting customers.

Essential Functions:

• Applies knowledge of basic science and employs solid laboratory skills to execute bench experiments using variety of molecular biology, cell biology, biochemical and general laboratory techniques as directed.
• Plans experimental details required for execution of assigned work under minimal to moderate oversight.
• Analyzes raw data, reports results and plans the next steps.
• Utilizes mathematical, graphical, imaging, nucleic acid analysis, and other software aids as needed.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Maintains accurate and detailed records of experimental work.
• Assists in the preparation of technical reports for internal use.
• Interacts with and assists other members of the R&D team as needed to meet research objectives.
• Interacts with internal departments and customers to assist with customer service/technical support and to advance collaborative research projects as directed.
• Presents information at group meetings as directed.
• Leads or participates in the maintenance of laboratory and equipment
• Introduces new techniques into the research group which have not previously been used.
• Demonstrates behavior consistent Core Values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (in Biology, Genetics, Chemistry or a related life sciences field) with three or more years relevant lab experience required
• Master’s degree (in Biology, Genetics, Chemistry or a related life sciences field) with one or more years relevant lab experience preferred

Professional Experience:

• Proficiency in a variety of PC software programs with strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office required.
• Previous experience with primer/probe design and statistical tools for DOE preferred.
• Previous experience with molecular cloning, protein expression and purification and assay design preferred.
• Knowledge in structural and microbiology preferred.

Other Job Qualifications:

• Ability to train others in basic laboratory techniques and equipment operation.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and maintain several projects at one time.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with peers and all levels of management.
• Ability to perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Ability to maintain both a high standard of courtesy and cooperation in dealing with co-workers.
• Ability to accept responsibility for the direction, control or planning of an activity.
• Adaptability to situations requiring the precise attainment of set limits, tolerances or standards.
• Ability to perform repetitive work or to perform continuously the same work, according to set procedures sequence or pace.

Physical Requirements:

• Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently

Frequent (34-66% of work day)

• Reaching: extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Sitting: to assume a position in which the weight is largely supported by the buttocks, usually with the body vertical and the thighs horizontal.
• Using Fingers/Grasping/Feeling: writing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers or palm and perceiving attributes of objects such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touch.
• Repetitive Motion: substantial movements (motion) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Occasional (33% or less of work day)
• Standing: maintaining an upright position.
• Walking: moving about on foot to accomplish tasks.
• Lifting: raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position.
• Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken work- those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing: perceiving the nature of sounds at normal range; ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when auscultating and percussing.
• Bending: bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist and/or bending leg; bending legs at knee to come to rest or kneel.
• Pushing/Pulling: using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward/using upper extremities to exert force in order to drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Climbing: stairs, stools, ramps, ladders.

Visual Acuity:

• Work requires close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to read pertinent printed material and distinguish colors.
• Ability to accurately read measurements on equipment.

Ability to prepare and read written documentation; use of computer