Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Research Associate II - Myers Lab

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

Dr. Richard M. Myers is a Faculty Investigator and Chief Scientific Officer of the HudsonAlpha 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 especially seek to understand how germline and somatic DNA sequence variation, epigenetics, and the environment affect the levels of transcription of genes in cell-type specific manners in the human nervous system. We focus on normal, healthy brain function as well as diseases, including Huntington disease, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, psychiatric disorders, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often in the context of differential responses to therapeutic agents. In addition, we work on neuropsychiatric disorders, and with Dr. Greg Cooper's lab at HudsonAlpha, on understanding the causes and mechanisms of unexplained diseases in children. Our experimental and computational work include 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.

While not required, subject area familiarity and/or interest in genetics, genomics, neuroscience, neuropsychiatric diseases, and/or neurodegenerative diseases is desirable. Project areas include study of gene regulation for genes implicated in normal human biology as well as disease, novel analysis approaches for associating genetic variation with gene expression, and genome-wide approaches relevant to disease as well as genome function in the brain more broadly.

POSITION SUMMARY

This Research Associate (RA) position is in the Myers Lab supporting genomics research projects in a variety of basic and applied areas, including global genomic assays and functional characterization. The activities of the RA include: molecular techniques including restriction digests, ligations, annealing, gel electrophoresis, quantification of nucleic acids, 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. This position requires exacting attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.

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.

JOB SPECIFIC TASKS

• Hands-on laboratory work, executing research assignments according to existing protocols
• Communicates with lab colleagues regarding shared equipment and reagent usage, experimental results, and any potential troubleshooting
• This position will periodically require limited weekend hours for performance of mammalian cell culture and/or molecular cloning procedures but will not exceed 40 total hours per week
• Immediately reviews initial outcomes for quality and consistency, and participates in team discussions regarding short-term and long-term 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 and/or ordering shared reagents and consumables
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in a life or physical science field requiring hands-on laboratory work with 5 years experience, or a bachelor's degree in a life or physical science field requiring hands-on laboratory work and 7 years experience
• 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 (thermal cycler, 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 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 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.
• 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.

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