Research Associate 2

Requisition Number

88531BR

External Gateway Posting Date

21-May-2024

Supervisory Organization

Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry - Office of the Chair

Yale Posting Status

CLOSED TO FURTHER APPLICATIONS

University Job Title

Research Associate 2, MS

Bargaining Unit

None - Not included in the union (Yale Union Group)

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Regular

Compensation Grade

Clinical & Research

Compensation Grade Profile

Research Associate 2 MS (24)

Wage Ranges

Click here to see our Wage Ranges

Searchable Job Family

Research/Support

Total # of hours to be worked:

37.5

Work Week

Standard (M-F equal number of hours per day)

Work Location

Central Campus

Worksite Address

266 Whitney Avenue

New Haven, CT 06511

Work Model

On-site

Position Focus:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Associate (RA), is responsible for supporting the research activities of a structural biology research laboratory by managing the day-to-day operations for the research facility. Design, develop, and perform research experiments to support PI’s research by using molecular cloning, protein purification, and crystallization set-up of biological macromolecules; research, develop and modify techniques or procedures and established protocols.

Handle the preparation and purification of large quantities of RNA samples (milligram amount of homogeneous RNA); Carry out various electrophoresis experiments including native and denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), sequencing PAGE, chemical probing and UV crosslinking experiments; Perform crystal sample preparation for diffraction data collection.

Perform molecular cloning to generate constructs in a highly efficient manner; large scale culturing and lysis of E. coli and yeast cells; large scale affinity purification of proteins containing His6, MBP, StrepII, and CBP tags; FPLC chromatography purification of proteins; and high-throughput protein crystallization and crystal optimization experiments.

The RA will assign lab duties to research lab members to maintain lab equipment and ensure that all research is conducted in a timely and compliant fashion and that all aspects of laboratory management, protocols, and procedures adhere to safety requirements. Responsible for managing the collection and analysis of highly complex research data.

Assist PI in the overall planning, preparation and supervision of research papers, articles, and reports for publication. Provide complex technical support in writing specific areas of grant proposals. Manage and maintain research lab supplies and equipment. Perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot problems.

This position requires a candidate who is comfortable in an environment that requires a high level of independence, organization, problem solving skills, and has the ability to use discretionary judgment. The ability to manage multiple projects, supervise staff, communicate research progress to the PI and set priorities with competing demands are necessary to succeed in this position.

Essential Duties

1. Designs, plans, implements and evaluates complex multifaceted research projects/systems, including method development, adaptation and validation. 2. Collaborates with PI to define research endeavors and the development of research hypothesis and approach. 3. Solves complex methodology, protocol, procedural and research problems through design of techniques, procedures and policies that will achieve research goals. 4. Develops long range plans for supplies and equipment to ensure smooth operation of laboratory. 5. Investigates, analyzes and evaluates complex data, data collection systems and methods to reach scientific conclusions and ensures the integrity of research data. 6. Collaborates with PI to coordinate major lab renovations working with Facilities, Health and Safety, and Purchasing to ensure deadlines, safety standards and purchases are according to plans and within budgets. 7. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports. 8. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in a scientific discipline and three years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Ability to show initiative, anticipate needs and take actions. Ability to demonstrate innovation, creativity and informed risk-taking. Ability to engage in problem-solving; suggest ways to improve performance and be more efficient. Ability to strive to achieve individual, unit, and university goals.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Ability to demonstrate accountability in all work responsibilities. Ability to exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the university and exercise appropriate confidentiality in all aspects of work. Ability to show commitment to work and to consequences of own actions.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Ability to multi-task effectively with competing demands between research projects and lab personnel tasks. Proven ability to develop long term plans for supplies/equipment to insure smooth operation of the lab. Strong attention to detail. Ability to work independently and with others in a team environment and lead by example. Strong organization and record keeping skills.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear, concise manner is necessary. Strong interpersonal skills. Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Excellent customer service skills. Use of PowerPoint to present scientific concepts, and word processing software for laboratory write-ups.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Minimum of 8 years of technical experience in RNA biochemistry, and a minimum of 6 years of lab management experience. Extensive experience in RNA and protein biochemistry. Technical skills in protein purification; RNA production, purification, and crystallization; and computing setup and maintenance. Experience negotiating with vendors and monitoring supplies preferred. PhD preferred.

Weekend Hours Required?

No

Evening Hours Required?

No

Drug Screen

No

Health Screening

No

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

The University maintains policies pertaining to COVID-19. All faculty, staff, students, and trainees are required to comply with these policies, which may be found here:

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

EEO Statement:

University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus