What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant I - Lacefield Lab position at Dartmouth College?
Position Purpose
To become a member of a dynamic biomedical research lab, conducting experiments to address a range of questions concerning meiotic and mitotic cell cycle regulation. Experiments will apply established methods, procedures, and techniques, including budding yeast strain construction, microscopy, biochemistry, and cell cycle assays. In addition, the position includes day-to-day laboratory maintenance, data analysis, and upkeep of databases.
Description
The Research Assistant will become a member of a dynamic biomedical research lab, conducting experiments to address a range of questions concerning meiotic and mitotic cell cycle regulation. Experiments will apply established methods, procedures, and techniques, including budding yeast strain construction, microscopy, biochemistry, and cell cycle assays. In addition, the position includes day-to-day laboratory maintenance, data analysis, and upkeep of databases.
Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp
Bachelors plus 2-3 years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
Bachelor’s degree with a major in one of the Biological Sciences or the equivalent.
Skills & Knowledge
Skills & Knowledge
- Competence in several laboratory methods, procedures and techniques as well as the equipment and instruments, e.g. knowledge of microscopy would be helpful
- Ability to work independently and apply critical thinking and sound judgment.
- Good organizational and time management skills.
- Willingness to work with/be exposed to hazardous materials such as radioactive materials, infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemicals.
- Knowledge of computers and software applications.
- Knowledge of standard computer software packages for data analysis and presentation, and on-line literature search engines.
- Strong commitment for producing a collegial working environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries
Emily Clough
Department Contact Phone Number
603-646-5186
Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title
Soni Lacefield
Department Contact's Phone Number
603-646-5186
Equal Opportunity Employer
Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.
Background Check
Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job?
Not an essential function
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is funded by a grant. Continuation is based upon available funds.
Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy
Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy
Additional Instructions
Key Accountabilities
Description
Experiments
- Conducts specified laboratory experiments by applying established methods and techniques like PCR, strain construction, time-lapse imaging, wester blotting, molecular biology. The ability to conduct given experimental procedures is essential to this position.
- Sets up and assists with research protocols and experiments under the general guidance of the principal investigators and other senior investigators in the laboratory; may have primary responsibility for independently setting up, performing and trouble shooting experiments.
- Observes experimental results in progress and maintains written records of activities and observations; applies past experience and precedents to identify and troubleshoot problems.
- Anticipates unexpected findings and assists in trouble-shoots techniques.
- Reconciles results that are disparate from anticipated findings; re-runs techniques as necessary.
- Reports experimental results to the principal investigator and other senior laboratory personnel and assists in their analysis
- Collaborates with the Principal Investigator in investigating and developing modifications to techniques and documents all new techniques developed in the laboratory.
- Adheres to laboratory safety requirements including general and chemical/hazardous waste safety disposal methods
Percentage Of Time
50
Description
Records
- Collects and analyzes data resulting from experimentation/testing.
- Summarizes results and prepares progress reports for oral presentation at laboratory meetings.
- Prepares appropriate and understandable representations of data such as graphs, charts, tables, statistical summaries, etc.
- Contributes to the preparation of scientific manuscripts by drafting portions of the text, preparing graphs, tables, and charts, etc.
- Conducts literature searches to assist in establishing new laboratory techniques, and develop insights into the significance of the experimental results.
Percentage Of Time
25
Description
Laboratory
- Accomplishes day-to-day care and housekeeping of laboratory.
- Assess the need for and orders all supplies and reagents needed for experiments.
- Assists in the maintenance of laboratory equipment and safety records, and in the preparation of routine reagents.
- Monitors laboratory equipment and instrument performance; obtains maintenance and repair as necessary.
- Maintains computerized records associated with laboratory activities.
- Instructs others in laboratory methods, procedures, and techniques and provides technical guidance and direction as required.
- Communicates respectfully with a diverse community.
Percentage Of Time
25
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Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
