"Research Associate - Open Rank"

Overview

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate provides operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate will perform research experiments as defined by the PI. This is an open-rank posting (there are 4 levels of Research Associate) - candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience. The McKitterick lab examines the molecular arms race between bacteria and the viruses that infect them, known as phages with a focus on bacterial cell surface as a battle ground for the bacteria-phage conflict. Bacteria from the order Mycobacteriales include several medically important pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) such as M. abscessus, as well as the industrial workhorse and model system Corynebacterium glutamicum. These microbes are characterized by a particularly complex cell envelope including a mycomembrane that limits the permeability of antibiotics but also serves as an attractive target for the development of novel therapeutic interventions. Notably, the bacterial envelope is integral for several steps in the phage life cycle. As such, phages are highly adapted to the quirks of each host, and our group uses them as tools to investigate both cell wall assembly and disassembly. Work in the lab will leverage corynephages to challenge the tractable model C. glutamicum to reveal fundamental new insights into the biology of an understudied niche of bacteria and their phages, with the potential to reveal novel ways of targeting corynebacterial and mycobacterial infections.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Research Associate I: Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project. Utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used. Interpret data, form conclusions and decide on next steps under the direction of the PI or designee. Maintain accurate records, may modify protocols with the approval of the PI or designee. Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects. Record results according to established lab, sponsor & university protocol. Assist with performing data analysis and/or mathematical computations. Maintain a detailed lab notebook according to lab practice. Present findings at lab/group meetings. Monitor laboratory supply levels and order as noted. Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc. Assist with and comply with all safety regulation and infection control standards. Train on IACUC, IRB, EHS, Radiation safety protocols. Comply with all applicable state, federal university, and sponsor policies and agreements. Provide support with identifying problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions. Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab. Perform other duties as required.

Research Associate II: Duties noted above plus: May assist with the training of new lab personnel. Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab. May assist with drafting manuscript sessions.

Research Associate III: Duties noted above plus: Perform complex laboratory experiments and may be responsible for one or more independent research projects. Perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations. Compile and analyze data and present it in a format suitable for publication according to PI specifications. May oversee laboratory supply levels and order as needed; negotiate with suppliers to optimize available resources. Monitor laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment. May manage general operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects. May create new protocols and/or modify defined protocols, as necessary, and with the approval of the PI. Prioritize and perform several tasks or procedures simultaneously with attention to detail. Perform duties and experiments with independence. Provide training of new lab personnel. May monitor laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee. May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract funding.

Research Associate IV: Duties noted above plus: This position will contribute significantly to the management of the research program and will be involved in multiple aspects of the research projects and lab maintenance activities. Independently design and perform multiple complex laboratory experiments. Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on next steps with a high degree of independence. Maintain laboratory supply levels and order as noted. Manage laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinate maintenance on laboratory equipment. Monitor and enforce all safety regulations and infection control standards. Identify and write standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab. Train on IACUC, EHS, Radiation safety protocols. Manage daily operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects. Identify problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions. Develop and implement new protocols and/or modify defined protocols, as necessary, and with the approval of the PI. Mentor and train lab personnel on proper lab conduct and techniques. Manage laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee. Assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals. Negotiate with vendors to optimize available resources. Contribute independently to writing sections for manuscripts and grants. Direct the activities of research support staff. Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Research Associate I: Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science, or equivalent experience. Basic understanding of lab safety and protocols. Knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Ability to analyze data in a quantitative and objective manner. Ability to work in a team environment. Research Associate II: Requirements noted for RA I plus: 18 months of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 0 years with a related Master’s Degree. Research Associate III: Requirements noted for RA I plus: 3+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 1 year relevant research experience with a related Master’s Degree. Research Associate IV: Requirements noted for RA I plus: 5+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 3+ years relevant research experience with a related Master’s degree.