Junior Specialist/Lowe-Power Lab

Research (90%)

This position provides technical, scientific, and organizational assistance to Dr. Tiffany Lowe-Power's research in the Department of Plant Pathology, which focuses on using molecular, genetic, genomic, and plant infection assays to understand pathogenic behavior and ecological success of Ralstonia wilt pathogens. The direct lead for this position will be Dr. Nathalie Aoun.

The Junior Specialist will be required to perform diverse molecular methods, maintain accurate and organized datasets, and effectively allocate work time between diverse tasks (ability to multi-task and manage time is a must). Resourcefulness, strong attention to detail, and the ability to adapt fluidly as research projects progress will be important for success. Ability to maintain a solution-oriented attitude while troubleshooting is essential. They will be able to effectively communicate with a diverse array of colleagues in written and verbal form.

The Junior Specialist will be trained to grow and maintain plants (e.g. tomato, melon, pepper, eggplant) in controlled growth chamber conditions. The Junior Specialist will infect plants with Ralstonia pathogens and carefully monitor symptom development. These assays require attention to detail and consistent watering of plants. The junior specialist will play a major role in maintaining cleanliness of the growth chamber and properly disposing biohazard waste.

Additional job responsibilities will be assigned by Prof. Tiffany Lowe-Power and Dr. Nathalie Aoun. These may include cloning and genetic engineering of bacteria, performing bacterial growth assays, and analyzing genomics data.

The junior specialist is expected to actively growth their research skills by taking notes during training, referring to their notes, synthesizing new information into their understanding, reading manuals and troubleshooting guides, repeating protocols to hone their skill, and training others in the lab. The Junior Specialist will learn to analyze data according to established protocols and assist in formatting data for presentations and publications. They will learn to use statistical analysis software programs, including Graphpad Prism. They will keep detailed laboratory notes documenting benchtop and data analysis work. As a full-time lab member, this position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training and mentoring (undergraduate student technicians), and general laboratory maintenance. The Junior Specialist will assist lab members in consistent maintenance of lab equipment, and general upkeep of lab space. They will improve the inventory of bacterial cryostocks. They will help ensure that supplies are well stocked, and order supplies as needed. They will help keep track of chemical and safety records.

This is a 100% on site position. General work hours are Mon-Fri 8hrs/day. Occasional long hours and/or weekends will be required based on laboratory and department needs.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

a. The Junior Specialist will offer technical and creative contributions to the manuscript preparation.

b. The Junior Specialist will conduct literature searches for articles relevant to the research topic, engage in discussions of data with the Principal Investigators, and contribute to manuscript preparation and presentation of research findings.

University and Public Service (5%)

* As a full-time lab member, this position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training and mentoring (undergraduate student technicians), and general laboratory maintenance. The Junior Specialist will assist lab members in consistent maintenance of lab equipment, and general upkeep of lab space. They will improve the inventory of bacterial cryostocks. They will help ensure that supplies are well stocked, and order supplies as needed. They will help keep track of chemical and safety records.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

* BS in microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, plant science, or related field.

* Knowledge of microbiology techniques and terminology

* Previous laboratory or comparable experience

* Ability to bend, squat, crouching and to pull and lift up to 50 pounds

NOTE: The junior specialist rank is an entry level position; accordingly, it is inappropriate to hire applicants with advanced degrees in this field, or those with BS degrees and three years' relevant work experience

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

* The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and an interest in basic science; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

* The ideal candidate will have skills to organize work activity, follow standard operating procedures with strict attention to detail, flexibility to adapt to a changing environment and workload, and work independently and efficiently in a high throughput laboratory under supervision to meet standard laboratory turnaround times.

* The ideal candidate will have the ability to complete job assignments in a timely manner to meet critical deadlines.

* Experience in basic laboratory practices including sterile technique, pipetting, preparing solutions and media.

* Proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Word

* The candidate should understand fundamental microbiology concepts as well as basic genetic principles. Experience with DNA extraction, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, sterile technique, and microbiology are preferred.

• 1-4 required (contact information only)

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