HudsonAlpha - Research Associate II - Myers Lab

Overview

Position: Research Associate II - Myers Lab

Job Type: Full-Time

The Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) 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, Hudson Alpha'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: Dr. Richard M. Myers is a Faculty Investigator and Chief Scientific Officer of the Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology. His laboratory uses genomic, genetic, molecular biology, and cell biology approaches to study problems in human neurobiology and gene regulation on a genome-wide level. We study how germline and somatic DNA sequence variation, epigenetics, and the environment affect transcription in a cell-type specific manner in the human nervous system.

The focus includes normal brain function as well as diseases such as Huntington disease, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, psychiatric disorders, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and includes work with Dr. Greg Cooper's lab on unexplained diseases in children. Our experimental and computational work includes genome-scale analysis of cis-acting regulatory sequences, DNA binding proteins and epigenetic action involved in human gene regulation and disease, as well as the development of molecular biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of diseases relevant to neuroscience.

Position Summary: This Research Associate (RA) position in the Myers Lab supports genomics research projects in a variety of basic and applied areas, including global genomic assays and functional characterization. Activities include molecular techniques such as restriction digests, ligations, annealing, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid quantification, bacterial cloning, nucleic acid extractions; mammalian cell culture using fully consented cell lines; preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing;

and other cellular and molecular biology protocols. The role requires exacting attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

The RA carries out research protocols as determined by the Principal Investigator. The Associate follows procedures exactly as outlined to ensure consistency and integrity of project outcomes, and provides feedback when procedures do not produce expected results. The RA must understand laboratory procedures and safety, and have a general knowledge of the project objectives as well as the tactical methodology. The RA works under supervision of a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, research assistant with supervisory responsibilities, senior scientist, or the lab Principal Investigator, communicating progress and advising of any issues.

The RA must adapt to protocol modifications, changes in equipment or software, and shifts in project scope.

• Hands-on laboratory work, executing research assignments according to existing protocols
• Communicates with lab colleagues regarding shared equipment and reagent usage, experimental results, and troubleshooting
• Occasional weekend hours for mammalian cell culture and/or molecular cloning procedures, not to exceed 40 hours per week
• Immediately reviews initial outcomes for quality and consistency, and participates in team discussions regarding goals
• Maintains an accurate and up-to-date laboratory notebook and tracks work as required by the project or supervisor
• Participates in general lab maintenance such as cleaning freezers, shared lab space and equipment, and stocking or ordering reagents and consumables
• Other duties as assigned

• Master's degree in a life or physical science field requiring hands-on laboratory work with 5 years of experience, or a bachelor's degree in a life or physical science field requiring hands-on laboratory work with 7 years of experience
• Meticulous attention to detail in laboratory practice and documentation
• Excellent laboratory skills, including proficiency in pipetting, documentation, and procedure (clinical, sterile, or molecular, depending on lab needs)
• Ability to accurately convert measurements as required
• Ability to understand protocols, seek clarification as needed, and perform protocols consistently
• Ability to operate basic equipment (thermal cycler, gel electrophoresis, tabletop centrifuge, etc.) and troubleshoot basic problems
• Experience with mammalian cell culture is preferred but not required

• ADA Requirements:
  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform…