HudsonAlpha - Research Associate I - Clevenger Lab

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research Associate carries out research protocols as determined by the Principal Investigator. The Associate follows procedures exactly as outlined ensuring the consistency of research practices and ultimately helping ensure the consistency and integrity of project outcomes. The Associate also provides feedback in the case that procedures are not producing expected results.

The Research Associate must understand laboratory procedure and safety. In addition to a general knowledge of the overall objectives of the research project the Associate must have an understanding of the tactical methodology in particular. The Associate works under the direction 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 that arise. The Associate must be able to adapt to modifications in protocol changes in equipment or upgrades in software as well as adjustments to the scope of research projects.

Research Associate positions fall among several levels that are generally progressive and reflect increasing proficiency. However it is not to be expected that a Research Associate will continually promote upward. The assigned level depends on the complexity of actual duties and responsibilities and is not necessarily a reflection of tenure.

Research Associates may work directly with materials or with data.

JOB SPECIFIC TASKS

Research Associate I:

• Entry level with the intent to develop laboratory proficiency
• Handson laboratory work executing research assignments according to protocol established by lead investigator in methodology
• This position will periodically require limited weekend hours for performance of mammalian cell culture and/or molecular cloning procedures.
• Immediately reviews initial outcomes for quality and consistency
• Maintains an accurate and uptodate laboratory notebook or 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 and/or ordering shared reagents and consumables
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE

• Either a high school diploma and 2 years experience an associates degree or a bachelors
• While not required a degree in a STEM field is preferred
• Meticulous attention to detail both in actual laboratory practice and in documentation
• Excellent laboratory skills including proficiency in pipetting documentation and procedure (clinical sterile or molecular depending on the needs of the laboratory)
• Ability to accurately convert measurements as required
• Ability to understand protocols clarify as needed and perform protocols with consistency as demonstrated through previous laboratory experience
• Ability to operate basic equipment (PCR machine gel electrophoresis tabletop centrifuge etc.) and troubleshoot basic problems
• While not required experience with mammalian cell culture is preferred

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 the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other jobrelated duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an atwill 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 in order to pipette accurately.
• 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.

Required Experience:

IC