Research Associate I, Multi-Omics Technology Center

About Arc Institute

The Arc Institute is a new scientific institution conducting curiosity-driven basic science and technology development to understand and treat complex human diseases. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Arc is an independent research organization founded on the belief that many important research programs will be enabled by new institutional models. Arc operates in partnership with Stanford University, UCSF, and UC Berkeley.

While the prevailing university research model has yielded many tremendous successes, we believe in the importance of institutional experimentation as a way to make progress. These include:

• Funding: Arc fully funds Core Investigators’ (PIs’) research groups, liberating scientists from the typical constraints of project-based external grants.
• Technology: Biomedical research has become increasingly dependent on complex tooling. Arc Technology Centers develop, optimize, and deploy rapidly advancing experimental and computational technologies in collaboration with Core Investigators.
• Support: Arc aims to provide first-class support—operationally, financially, and scientifically—that will enable scientists to pursue long-term high risk, high reward research that can meaningfully advance progress in disease cures, including neurodegeneration, cancer, and immune dysfunction.
• Culture: We believe that culture matters enormously in science and that excellence is difficult to sustain. We aim to create a culture that is focused on scientific curiosity, a deep commitment to truth, broad ambition, and selfless collaboration.

Arc has scaled to nearly 200 people. With $650M in committed funding and a state of the art new lab facility in Palo Alto, Arc will continue to grow quickly in the coming years.

About the position

We are looking for a highly motivated, well-organized, and technically proficient Research Associate I to join our Genomics Platform. In this role, you will report to the Associate Director of Genomics and support daily genomics operations, as well as contribute to the in-house development of multi-omic technologies. The Research Associate will be highly involved in the operation of all high throughput sequencing technologies. This individual will also master methods for sequencing library quality assessment, high-throughput sample preparation using liquid handlers, and downstream bioinformatic pipelines for data delivery. The Research Associate will be expected to work independently and collaboratively with members of the Multi-Omics Tech Center, as well as other technology centers and Arc Core Investigator labs. A successful applicant will demonstrate attention to detail, an eagerness to learn new skills, and the ability to self-direct. Compensation will be competitive with industry jobs relative to experience level and background.

About you

• You are excited about a broad range of scientific and research topics, and have taken a variety of courses to explore your interests.
• You are organized and detail-oriented when planning and performing experimental tasks.
• You think about scientific questions critically, pursuing a deep understanding of each experimental step.
• You thrive in a team environment, working collaboratively at a fast pace.
• You enjoy exploring new technologies and how they enable large scale multi-omic biological measurements.

In this position you will

• Develop into a well rounded researcher through reading applicable literature, taking ownership of the high-throughput sequencing process, and collaborating with other Arc Scientists.
• Perform high throughput molecular biology: sequencing library preparation, quality assessment of sequencing libraries, operate sequencing and QC (quality check) instruments
• Maintain careful records in ELN (electronic lab notebook), work independently, and communicate experimental results clearly
• Troubleshoot and identify opportunities to improve existing sequencing processes
• Order and maintain chemicals, reagents, and other laboratory supplies
• Thrive in a fast paced, team environment
• Actively participate in journal club, lab meetings, and seminars through presentations and discussions
• Participate in the development of sequencing training materials internally and for collaborators
• Learn to analyze NGS data

Requirements

• BS in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, or a related discipline
• Hands-on experience with NGS sequencing, library preparation, PCR, DNA and RNA isolation, nucleic acid quantification or other basic molecular biology techniques
• Highly collaborative, team-oriented, familiar with scientific software for data analysis, and have excellent written and oral communication skills
• Display broad interest in scientific research, demonstrated through courses or research projects.
• Excellent organizational skills, troubleshooting skills, and attention to detail.
• Self motivated and take ownership of projects
• Basic linux command line proficiency and knowledge of coding languages desirable but not required.
• Experience with LIMS/ELN systems is a plus

The hourly rate for this position is $29.85. This amount does not include benefits or other forms of compensation.

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