Associate Specialist

Position overview

Salary range: $78,300-$82,000

The laboratory of Dr. Sundaresan wishes to employ an Associate Specialist, 100% time, to work on projects related to the zygotic transition and synthetic apomixis. The Associate Specialist will work directly with the lab PI on

a. Research in Specialized Areas (85 %):
This position requires creative contributions to an active research program to design and implement improved strategies for synthetic apomixis. The successful candidate will help to determine research goals for defined projects in regular consultation with the Principal Investigator. He/she will design and spearhead specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques and to document and organize the results in preparation of scientific publications or grant proposals.

He/she will develop methods in epigenomics that are tailored to the study of plant reproduction. Active participation in the writing and editing of scientific papers is expected. The candidate will assist interns and undergraduate students regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods for identification of epigenetic marks in ultra-low input samples, molecular cloning of target genes, CRISPR gene editing, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results, planning follow-up experiments, and laboratory inventory and organization.

Experience in isolation and epigenetic profiling of rare cell types, computational analysis of genome-wide epigenetic marks, CRISPR gene editing, gene expression assays using Agrobacterium inoculation and injection into plants, general greenhouse/growth chamber experience with a variety of plants including Arabidopsis and rice, and a strong work ethic are expected.

b. Professional Competence & Activity (5%):
The candidate will be expected to actively contribute to the weekly lab meeting and will present to that same forum an average of 3 to 4 times a year on their research progress. The candidate will attend seminars, participate in reviews of manuscripts, and present significant new results from their research at scientific conferences.

c. University and Public Service (10 %):
The candidate is expected to contribute to the smooth operation of the laboratory and the maintenance of shared equipment, to the training of new researchers to use specific pieces of equipment such as fluorescence microscopes, and assist when needed with other types of training such as lab safety. They will also engage in public outreach activities that can include presenting scientific research summaries and explanations on the lab website, and live presentation aimed at audiences ranging from the lay public to high school and undergraduate students.

Qualified applicants must have a Ph.D. degree, or Master's degree plus two to five years' research experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus six to ten years of research experience, in the fields of plant genetics, plant development and genomics.

• Experience in working with reproductive structures in plants.
• Demonstrated high skills in genome-wide epigenetic profiling with ultra-low inputs.
• Demonstrated high skills in genome-editing technologies using CRISPR and related methods.
• Demonstrated high skills in generation and analysis of transcriptomic data

• Experience with isolation of plant gametes, using affinity-purification or nuclear sorting
• Familiarity with synthetic apomixis technology.

• Curriculum Vitae
  - Recently updated C.V. containing 1 to 2 pages of qualifications and achievements + a list of publications with full titles, authors and links to the online papers.
• Authorization to Release Information Form
  - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
• Statement of Research (Optional)

• 2-3 required (contact information only)

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As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required…