GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Designee, the Research Associate performs a variety of complex research experiments.

A position is available in the Miller laboratory to extend the scope of fluorescence and bioluminescence for imaging of specific biological processes and disease states in live cells and animals. Work in the lab is inherently multi-disciplinary and may include protein engineering, mouse imaging, culture of multiple cell lines, vector design, enzyme assays, chemical synthesis, and immunohistochemistry of tissues. Examples of recent lab efforts include bioluminescence imaging of gene expression and enzymatic activity in the brain [Nature Methods 11, 393 (2014); JACS 137, 8684 (2015); Angewandte Chemie 55, 4943 (2016)], detection of latent luciferase activity in fruit flies [PNAS 111, 4443 (2014); ACS Chem Bio 12, 2946 (2017)], the development of new selective mutant luciferases and synthetic luciferin substrates [JACS 136, 13277 (2014); Angewandte Chemie 55, 4943 (2016); Org Lett 19, 5836 (2017); Org Lett 21, 1641 (2019)], and the synthesis of new fluorescent dyes [Org Lett 20, 4482 (2018); Org Lett 21, 1641 (2019)].

Motivated and inherently curious critical thinkers with experience in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, neuroscience, and/or animal studies are particularly encouraged to apply.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Conducts in-depth analysis of research experiments
  • Performs complex laboratory experiments
  • Interprets data, forms conclusion, and decides on and plans next experiments to be done with a high degree of independence
  • Compiles and analyzes data and performs computations using image analysis software, spreadsheets, graphing, and curve fitting software
  • May modify protocols and be responsible for a single, independent research project
  • Assists in writing the text of scientific publications and grants. Reviews literature
  • Trains new laboratory personnel, students, and collaborators
  • Maintains laboratory supplies and equipment
  • Complies with all safety and infection control standards
  • Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, or equivalent experience
  • 1 year relevant research experience
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
  • Strong ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
  • Judgment and action skills required to solve commonly encountered problems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Applicants must have (or expect to obtain shortly) a degree in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Chemical Biology, Neuroscience, or related fields.
  • Applicants should have experience in several of the following areas: molecular cloning, PCR, protein expression, mutagenesis, protein engineering, cell culture, synthetic organic chemistry, spectroscopy, mouse husbandry, disease models, imaging, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, or designee

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May functionally supervise Lab Technicians and Aides

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Wet chemistry laboratory, and may require appropriate contact with biohazards, radionuclides, toxins, animals, and human specimens.