Staff Scientist (TAR)

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Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Time as Reported / Per Diem

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

As Scheduled

Department:

400410 Biochemistry and Biophysics

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 110 H

Compensation Range:

$29.33 - $41.06

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of Professor Joseph Wedekind, the TAR Staff Scientist will conduct research in the Wedekind lab to elucidate the three-dimensional structures of non-coding (nc)RNAs and their regulatory ligands. The successful candidate will have a strong background in structural biology including skills in X-ray crystallography and small-angle scattering. Knowledge of neutron diffraction and scattering approaches would be beneficial. Structural knowledge will provide a foundation to investigate how specific ncRNA-ligand complexes regulate genes in live cells. Ligands include natural effectors, lab-evolved molecules, or effectors identified by screening or structure-guided design.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Design experiments:

• Design experiments based on previous results and those in the literature.
• Read the past and current literature to maintain a base of knowledge in the field.
• Design templates to direct transcription for RNA production.
• Design plasmids to direct protein overexpression.
• Design experiments for labeling RNA for neutron scattering or diffraction experiments.
• Design experiments to test ligand binding to RNA using structure-guided approaches for in vitro and cell-based approaches.
• Design experiments to test ncRNA function in vitro or in vivo using reporter gene assays.

Execution of experiments:

• Carry out experiments, including crystallization, diffraction, scattering, isothermal titration calorimetry, protein expression, and protein purification.
• Transcribe and purify RNA using PAGE, chromatography, or affinity approaches.
• Develop and install project-specific operating procedures for the laboratory; independently operate basic and complex instrumentation.
• Develop test methods/data sets or use existing tutorials for benchmarking; select procedures for data collection and treatment based on existing or acquired skills.
• Develop new or utilize existing software/hardware for data collection, data reduction, analysis, model building and statistical treatment of data.
• Participate in trouble shooting as needed; work with Dr. Wedekind or staff/students to solve problems using internal resources or external expertise.
• Develop and control research project budgets in consultation with the P.I. Undertake responsibility for research project budget reports and records.
• Recommend expenditures for major laboratory equipment and construction, as needed. Authorize expenditure for expendable supplies or maintenance.

Training or Assisting Others:

• Experiments will not always go as planned. The position will entail fine tuning and repeating experiments to elicit correctly executed outcomes and properly controlled experiments.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate staff and students.
• Directly train others with hands on and theoretical procedures.
•  Engage in continuous skill development of staff/trainees in lab techniques and instrumentation usage.
• Advise staff/trainees on how to overcome technical problems; advise and assist staff/trainees with special research projects in your area(s) of expertise.

Interpret experimental data, draw conclusions, and communicate results:

• After conducting experiments, analyze data, and draw relevant conclusions based on the current system or analogous ones.
• Communicate experimental results to Dr. Wedekind and/or other team members.
• Assesses the importance of findings in relation to the overall research objectives; this may include recommendation of follow-up studies or a new series of experiments
• Prepare written reports with sufficient detail to allow reproduction of results by other team members or individuals outside the University (i.e., reproducibility and transparency).
• Prepare necessary data for database deposition (e.g., the Protein Data Bank)
• Generate appropriate figures suitable for publications and grants.

Participate in writing manuscripts and grant applications: 

• Work with the PI to compose manuscripts and grants.
• Contribute to the design, interpretation, and writing of research publications or grants — meet expectations for co-authorship of scientific publications or PI/mPI /co-I on grants.
• Analyze data and present in a format appropriate for publication.
• Co-author research proposals, prepare regulatory documentation required for performance of research.
• Write standard operating protocols to conduct research including: purpose of study, design of experiments, lists of materials and methods, and a timeline of activities.
• Respond to reviews as necessary; resubmit after peer review

Attend seminars/meetings/career development activities:

• Facilitate, participate, and attend lab meetings.
• Attend departmental seminars or specialized training activities sponsored by the University, instrument manufacturers, or professional societies.
• Attend and present new data at research conference(s).
• Teach specialized classes/workshops to graduate students or trainees, such as those in the Biophysics Program core curriculum.

Other projects and job duties as assigned: 

• Ordering specialized items.
• Chemical inventory and safety considerations of specialized reagents.
• Stocking specialized reagents and supplies.
• University safety training for biological, chemical, and radiation hazards.
• Other specialized University training.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Doctoral degree with major course work in the field of assignment and 2 years of relevant postdoctoral training required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work both independently and within a team preferred.
• Familiarity with X-ray diffraction and scattering, as well as neutron diffraction and scattering preferred.
• Knowledge of major data analysis programs in the field preferred.

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