Research Associate II, Biological Sciences

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. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Delaware