Junior Specialist- Dennis Lab

In direct collaboration with the Principal Investigator, this position will focus on the care, generation and characterizing of zebrafish carrying genetic mutations implicated in human neurodevelopmental conditions.

Research (75%)

The candidate will specifically participate in the development of functional genomic tools and phenotyping strategies of genetically modified zebrafish. S/he will direct a research project focused on using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to establish stable knockout zebrafish lines, genotyping mutants, and characterizing molecular and neurodevelopmental defects. S/he will also be responsible for guiding husbandry support of the Tupper Hall zebrafish facility that houses research animals, including training and scheduling undergraduate students.

The candidate will be integrally involved in preparing manuscripts for publication related to this research in collaboration with his/her direct advisors. S/he will meet weekly one-on-one with the PI to organize projects and participate in Dennis lab meetings; s/he will be responsible for presenting twice quarterly, including a formal presentation of their research, reading/presenting on assigned scientific articles, and actively participating in discussions.

Professional Competence (10%)

The Junior Specialist will have opportunities to attend relevant conferences for continued education in zebrafish biology and advances in CRISPR/Cas9 technologies. This includes attendance and presentation at university seminars and focus groups relevant to his/her research topic including a zebrafish and CRISPR/gene editing focus group scheduled monthly. Depending on interest and availability of funds, the candidate will present research findings at regional scientific conferences and meetings.

University and Public Service (15%)

The Junior Specialist will train and mentor undergraduate students. S/he will actively contribute to lab activities via meetings, science outreach events organized by the lab, and unit/campus presentations. S/he will also provide administrative support in ordering and administering animal and safety protocols.

1. Baccalaureate degree in Animal Biology, Genetics/Genomics, or Molecular Biology.
2. Background in animal husbandry.
3. Experience working with zebrafish.
4. Background in molecular biology.
5. Experience in extraction, purification and manipulation of nucleic acids from bacteria and eukaryotes.
6. Knowledge of sequencing methods.
7. Knowledge and skills working with Microsoft Suite (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint) for information outreach, data management, and summation.
8. Skills to carry out experiments with close attention to detail and limited supervision.
9. Skills to pipette small volumes and perform serial dilutions. Ability to calculate chemical concentrations and dilutions.
10. Record-keeping skills to accurately record detailed research data collected throughout studies.
11. Strong organizational skills. A positive, self-motivated, attitude and excellent problem-solving skills to overcome technical challenges.

• 3 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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