Research Assistant

Hiring Department:  Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences


Minimum Hiring Salary/Position Classification:  $35,000 +/year, Full-Time, Benefitted, Excempt
Benefits: Includes single or family health care coverage (premiums paid for by the university), basic life insurance, EAP, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual and sick leave.  Optional benefits available: supplemental life, dental, vision, long term care insurance, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.
Work Schedule:   Monday-Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm


For full consideration, all application materials must be fully submitted by 5PM on the closing date.

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Position Details:   A Complete Position Description is available as an attachment in the bottom right corner of this position announcement.

The purpose of this position is to advance experimental research in teh Nechaev lab by performing laboratory experiments (such as RNA and DNA isolation, and DNA, RNA, and protein electrophoresis); to design and execute projects invovling molecular biology approaches; to learn and perform advanced techniques for innovative projects to advance federally supported research.


Conduct advanced research by assisting the PI and providing oversignt and work direction to lab personnel as needed for ongoing projects.

• Design and execute projects involving molecular biology approaches such as DNA and RNA electrophoresis, protein electrophoresis, Western Blotting, quantitative real time PCR.
• Identify and learn new competencies as required by a project.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses of each method or experimental approach and suggest alternative approaches required to complete the project.
• Edit scientific writing including manuscripts.

Organization of next-generation sequencing data.

• Perform computational techniques pertinent to the project to the level sufficient to assess the quality of next-generation sequencing data obtained by the laboratory using Unix shell commands.
• Prepare publication quality figures for peer-reviewed publications and presentations, in consultation with PI.
• Maintain records of applicant's own research in electronic and physical notebook format.

Evaluate data and results obtained by the PI and lab personnel.

• Identify strengths and weaknesses of projects led by lab personnel, suggest potential solutions, and evaluate results.
• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings.
• Present findings at weekly laboratory meetings on a regular basis.
• Read and comprehend primary literature pertinent to the project and utilize the information to enhance research.

Competencies expected of the position:

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to present to small and large groups.
• Ability to pipet small amounts (1 microliter or less) of liquid reagents.
• Ability to work in BSL-2 Biosafety level environment.
• Ability to learn Unix commands as required by the project.
• Ability to use or learn Vector graphics program such as Adobe Illustrator.
• Ability to adhere to the posted work schedule.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to edit scientific writing.

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Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Premed, or related field.
• Experience with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Satisfactory criminal history records check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 


Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with DNA, RNA, or protein work in a molecular biology laboratory.
• Experience with eukaryotic cell culture is preferred.
• Experience with UNIX computing is a plus.

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 All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and AAO for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.
 
Confidentiality of Application Materials
Note: Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three finalists who will be invited to campus.
 
EEO Statement
UND is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.  Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to provide information regarding their gender, race and/or ethnicity, veteran’s status and disability status on the form found at http://und.edu/affirmative-action/apcontrolcard.cfm.  This information will remain confidential and separate from your application. 
 
ND Veteran’s Preference
North Dakota Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.
 
Clery Statement
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