Staff Scientist (TAR)

Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. 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 The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations. 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. The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.