HudsonAlpha - Post Doctoral Researcher - Cochran Lab

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Post Doctoral Researcher

Job Type: Full-Time

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology ( is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science, and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics, and personalized medicine.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The J. Nicholas Cochran laboratory uses genomic approaches to answer biological questions specific to neurodegenerative diseases with an emphasis on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Therefore, while not required, subject area familiarity and/or interest in genetics, genomics, neuroscience, or neurodegenerative diseases is desirable. Projects include the study of gene regulation for genes implicated in neurodegeneration, novel analysis approaches for associating genetic variation with neurodegenerative diseases, and genome-wide genomics approaches relevant to neurodegeneration. A key ongoing effort related to this position includes contributing to studies designed to impact Alabamians through longitudinal ascertainment of risk for Alzheimer's disease, including through assessment of several established and candidate biomarkers and 'omics approaches.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Post Doctoral Researcher contributes to scientific discovery with the objective of publishing original manuscripts in scientific journals. The Postdoctoral Researcher has the opportunity to utilize HudsonAlpha's state-of-the-art technologies and shared support services while pursuing research interests that directly contribute to or enhance the Institute's ongoing projects.

JOB SPECIFIC TASKS

The Post Doc:

• Conducts and contributes to original research under the guidance of the Faculty Investigator
• Provides expertise in research program design, conduct, and analysis
• Prepares manuscripts and co-authors papers for publication in high-quality journals
• Presents findings to the scientific community
• Assists in the mentoring and teaching of research staff
• Helps ensure that the research methods and ultimate work product are reflective of the highest scientific standards of integrity, quality, and confidence
• Exhibits curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery; embraces the ever-changing scientific environment
• Other duties as assigned
• Note: this position will periodically require limited weekend hours for performance of mammalian cell culture and/or molecular cloning procedures.

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE

• Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in life sciences, biostatistics, or a related field
• Extensive laboratory and research experience that introduces or enhances a unique research capability at HudsonAlpha
• A track record of high-quality research work, as evidenced by manuscript publications and/or pre-prints
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a highly collaborative environment
• Experience advising on research methodology and analysis, as well as the ability to interpret laboratory results and provide conclusions
• Demonstrated ability to advance projects, managing multiple tasks and priorities
• Proficiency with laboratory software, tools, and equipment
• Knowledge related to neuroscience and/or neurodegenerative diseases would be beneficial
• Experience with mammalian cell culture is highly preferred
• Experience with functional genomics approaches would be beneficial
• Knowledge of current bioinformatics approaches and/or programming skills in one or more languages (ie bash, Perl, Python, R) is not required, but would be beneficial

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to their own or others' health and safety. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties that will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
• Frequently moving between work areas.
• Frequently moving, transporting, and positioning materials up to 30 pounds.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
• Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g., computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners) and laboratory equipment.
• Frequently position self (e.g., stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull/push, grasp/squeeze, wrist flexion/extension, reach to operate and maintain laboratory equipment.

Environmental Factors

• Exposure to chemical, mechanical, and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes, and airborne particles.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Mental Functions

• Continuous mental and visual attention, requiring sustained attention and observation.
• Excellent fine motor skills and hand control for accurate pipetting.
• Ability to sustain focus during research procedures (to maintain protocol, such as order of operations).
• Ability to visually observe results and record outcomes on lab logs and/or PC.
• Basic computer skills are required.
• Extensive documentation skills, good attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills are required.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
• Requires the ability to adapt to change efficiently.
• Ability to independently lead and conduct research, and to evaluate, interpret, and present complex scientific data.
• Capacity to work productively within functionally diverse teams as well as collaborate with external investigators and partners in academic and industrial settings.
• Ability to prioritize issues and use sound judgment to recognize when additional consultation and/or help is needed.
• Comfortable working on multiple projects at one time.
• Strong logical thinking and deduction skills.
• Ability to effectively present ideas and information in a variety of formats to a wide range of audiences.
• Positive, flexible, and professional attitude.

It is the policy of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.