Research Associate IV at J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for performing molecular biology projects in support of scientific investigations at the Institute. Assists in the organization of team activities and the training of Research Associates (I, II, and III’s).

Position Responsibilities:

• Performs basic and specialized molecular biology techniques with limited supervision of the scientific investigator. Techniques include one or more of the following: cDNA library construction, random library construction, PCR, RTPCR, Southern and Northern blots, RNA slot blots, restriction/modification enzymes, plasmid preparations, RNA preparations and purification, cloning and subcloning and fingerprinting, microarray techniques, and other general molecular biology techniques.
  
  


• Maintains stocks of all reagents necessary for above techniques.
  
  


• Maintains accurate written record and biological stocks representing work performed.
  
  


• Performs daily maintenance of equipment for associated techniques.
  
  


• Interacts with Investigators on experimental planning and analysis.
  
  


• Serves as a mentor to Research Associates (I-III’s) in relevant techniques; provides feedback to Investigator on performance of Research Associates (I-III’s).
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field and a minimum of four years experience required; or a Masters Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology with a minimum of two year of experience required. Hands-on laboratory experience preferably in an independent project preferred.
  
  


• Must have ability and desire to work on projects independently with minimum supervision; must have a high level of initiative.
  
  


• Ability to effectively mentor and provide guidance to Research Associates (I-III’s).
  
  


• Ability to evaluate data and help in the designing of experiments.
  
  


• Must be able to operate standard laboratory equipment such as balances, centrifuges, speed vac, spectrophotometer, and autoclave.
  
  


• Familiarity with standard laboratory safety procedures.
  
  


• Strong computer aptitude, including experience with word processing and spreadsheet software; experience with computer techniques which may include knowledge of relational databases, familiarity with sequence analysis software, experience in a UNIX environment, and/or expression analysis software.
  
  


• Must be able to read, comprehend and discuss relevant literature with co-workers.
  
  


• Excellent organization and time management skills.
  
  


• Flexibility to handle a variety of tasks and shift priorities simultaneously.
  
  


• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and external contacts; ability to work as an effective team member.
  
  


• Cooperative and service-oriented attitude; must be able to work under pressure and maintain a professional demeanor.
  
  


• Ability to use sound judgment to effectively solve problems within the scope of the position.
  
  


• Superior verbal and written communications skills.
  
  

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).


• Ability to work in a confined area.


• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.


• Ability to stand and/or sit for an extended period of time while working in the lab.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach, stoop kneel to install computer equipment.


• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer and lab work.


• Light to moderate lifting is required.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee

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