Junior Specialist-Genome Center

Nature and Purpose

This position, in direct collaboration with the Principal Investigator(s), will be involved in studying the molecular characteristics of extracellular RNA in plants, insect cells, and human cells.

Research (85%)

As part of the research team, your responsibilities will include DNA and RNA extractions, CRISPR/Cas13 gene editing, PCR, gel electrophoresis, primer design, and maintaining sterile technique. You will also be responsible for plant maintenance in growth chambers and a greenhouse, as well as RNA and small RNA library preparation. Other duties include preparing solutions and media. You will be expected to develop experimental designs and protocols and implement them, while adhering to strict quality assurance and safety guidelines. Accurate and comprehensive data recording on paper datasheets and Excel spreadsheets is essential. The role also involves testing hypotheses using statistical techniques and creating graphs and summary tables for presentations and publications.

Professional Competence (10%)

The Junior Specialist will work semi-independently, under the supervision of the principal investigator and postdoc. Their responsibilities include participating in the design of the experimental plan and individual experiments. They are also required to maintain a detailed laboratory digital notebook that includes experimental methods and results. Additionally, they will assist in preparing data figures and tables, as well as summarizing results for progress reports.

University and Public Service (5%)

The Junior Specialist will participate in training undergraduate students and present research data in lab meetings and department retreats.

1. Baccalaureate degree in Plant Biology, Genetics/Genomics, or Molecular Biology.
2. Background in plant molecular biology.
3. Experience in extraction, purification and manipulation of nucleic acids from bacteria and eukaryotes (plant preferred).
4. Experience in PCR and plasmid-based manipulations for gene and vector assembly.
5. Experience in RNA isolation, characterization, and expression analysis.
6. Competence in basic bioinformatics tasks, such as sequence analysis, primer design for PCR and gene assembly.
7. Knowledge of sequencing methods.
8. Knowledge and skills working with Microsoft Suite (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint) for information outreach, data management, and summation.
9. Skills to carry out experiments with close attention to detail and limited supervision.
10. Skills to pipette small volumes and perform serial dilutions. Ability to calculate chemical concentrations and dilutions.
11. Record-keeping skills to accurately record detailed research data collected throughout studies.
12. Strong organizational skills. A positive, self-motivated, attitude and excellent problem-solving skills to overcome technical challenges.

• 3 required (contact information only)

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