Assistant Research Specialist - Fan Lab at The Morgridge Institute for Research – Madison, Wisconsin

The Fan lab at Morgridge Institute for Research and University of Wisconsin-Madison, which studies metabolism in innate immune cells, is recruiting a motivated and responsible applicant for a full-time assistant research specialist position.

Responsibilities

• Cell culture and cell isolation: isolate innate immune cells; culture primary cells or cell line, culture media preparation
• Animal Husbandry: maintain mouse colony
• Molecular biology: Conduct molecular cloning; assist in protein expression and purification; analyze proteins using immunoblotting; analyze gene expression using qPCR.
• Routine LC-MS based metabolomics and lipidomics: This work involves performing metabolite/lipid extraction, LC-MS analysis, data analysis, mobile phase buffer preparation, and basic maintenance tasks of LC-MS.
• Experimental collaboration: Work alongside other scientists on complex experiments.
• Experimental design & troubleshooting: Plan experiments, identify proper controls, interpret unexpected outcomes, and troubleshoot.

Prior experience in some of these techniques is desired but not required. As a core member of the research team, you will receive direct technical training. After developing technical independence, you will also be asked to help teach them to other members of the laboratory (e.g., undergraduates and new graduate students).

Professional Growth opportunities

• You will work within a supportive and collaborative team.
• You will receive training and mentoring in research.
• It is expected that the work as a research associate will lead to co-authorship in multiple publications.
• This position can be helpful in experience building before applying to graduate school (e.g., Ph.D. program or M.D./Ph.D. program).
• The research associate will work alongside other lab members, and should master professional lab practices, including lab safety, scientific rigor, and maintaining an organized, detailed, and up-to-date lab record.
• This position is the best fit for a candidate who intends to work in the lab for at least 2-3 years, unless the candidate is already very experienced in the required skills.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The ideal candidate will strive to perform each task exceptionally.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary duties.

Education and Experience

• Candidates should hold a bachelor's or master's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology or closely related areas by the time of starting this position.
• Candidates should be organized and responsible, with strong skills in communication.
• Ideal candidates will have some scientific research experience and strong professional references from that experience.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is normally performed in a wet laboratory environment
• Work in a cold room, tissue culture biosafety cabinet, and fume hood is required
• Standing for long periods of time is required
• No or very limited physical effort is required, but repetitive hand motion (pipetting) is required
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk
• Occasional evening and weekend work will be requested

To Apply:

Qualified individuals interested in this opportunity are required to submit the following via our website:

(1) A cover letter covering background, long-term goals, and what you aim to contribute to our research team.

(2) A resume/CV highlighting scientific research experience (if there are any methods/techniques that you have already mastered, please list these)

(3) Contact information for three relevant professional references (email addresses and phone numbers).

(4) Transcript(s).