Postbaccalaureate Research Scholar - Williams Lab

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Position Overview and Responsibilities
The Williams Lab in the Arthritis and Clinical Immunology (ACI) Research Program is seeking a Postbaccalaureate Research Scholar for our newly opened lab. The Williams lab is focused on the role of RNA quality control pathways in systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases. This position is an opportunity for up to 2 years meant for postbaccalaureate students who wish to attain research experience that will help prepare them for graduate or professional school in a STEM-related area or healthcare.
Scholars hired into these positions will have:

• One-on-one mentorship from a supervising faculty member via informal daily interactions and formal weekly meetings
• Access to graduate student workshops and seminars that address skill building and career development
• Additional meetings with senior graduate students and postdoctoral research scientists to get real-world perspectives about graduate school, the skills/effort needed to succeed, and further scientific training.
• Potential to present research at local and national scientific meetings and to publish in peer-reviewed journals”

The Williams lab utilizes cutting-edge techniques in RNA biology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry to explore disease mechanisms and fundamental biological problems. The Research Scholar will be closely mentored by the PI and will conduct routine laboratory procedures following standardized protocols. After appropriate training, the Research Scholar will perform advanced techniques, and the Research Scholar will be encouraged to take initiative on troubleshooting, experimental design, and project development.

The Research Scholar will be critical to supporting the team’s research objectives and will take on important responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Performing experiments using various molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques
• Working with P32 (radioisotope)
• Careful record-keeping of experimental procedures, results, and reagents
• Analyzing and interpreting experimental data and presenting findings to the Principal Investigator and to co-workers
• Supporting the development and management of cell lines
• Assisting with laboratory organization, inventory, and compliance with safety protocols
• Identifying, preparing, and executing research experiments in accordance with approved protocols
• Taking initiative on non-routine assignments, reading literature, and applying problem-solving skills to experimental design and execution
• Recent (within the last 3 years) BA/BS degree in a STEM field, such as the biological sciences, engineering, chemistry, physics, or computer science, and a desire to gain research experience in preparation for applications to graduate or professional schools in STEM related areas.
  OR
  Recent (within the last 6 months) master’s degree in a STEM field, such as the biological sciences, engineering, chemistry, physics, or computer science, and a desire to gain research experience in preparation for applications to graduate or professional schools in STEM related areas.
• Basic knowledge of routine technical and functional laboratory procedures
• Proficiency in performing basic mathematical calculations
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with:
  • Internet software
  • Microsoft Office software
• Professionalism, strong work ethic, and a collaborative, personable attitude.
• Ability…