Job Description

Professional Research Assistant Position

The Currie Lab within the Biology Department at Wake Forest University is seeking a professional research assistant. This position combines lab management, caring for the lab's axolotl salamander colony, and undertaking research. Our lab is focused on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the axolotl's exceptional ability to regenerate tissues such as limbs, spinal cords, and hearts. We maintain breeding and experimental colonies of transgenic axolotls that are integral to our research aims, and the candidate in this role will play a central part in managing and caring for animals. Because the Currie Lab maintains its own animal facility, the candidate can expect to contribute to some weekend and holiday animal care. Additional aspects of the position will include maintaining lab reagents and lab organization, managing undergraduate researchers and workers, and undertaking research in line with the lab's research aims. Candidates must possess strong organizational skills, the ability to work independently and problem solve, and a commitment to ethical animal treatment. The position will be for 1-2 years, renewed annually, with the possibility of extension. To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV. The cover letter should be max one page, discussing your previous experience, current interests/goals, and motivation for applying. Please also include the names and contact information for 2-3 references. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee and directly contribute to animal care including feeding axolotls, maintaining the recirculating aquaria system, washing aquaria tanks and holding vessels, maintaining brine shrimp, overseeing and document transgenic strains, managing axolotl breeding, and daily health checks.
• Provide supervision and assistance to undergraduate researchers, federal work study students, and graduate research assistants.
• Train lab members in animal care, lab procedures, and lab safety.
• Perform general lab upkeep, including, but not limited to, ordering supplies, monitoring equipment, organizing and documenting lab organization, and lab cleanliness.
• Contribute to research in collaboration with lab members or independently that involves animals and/or molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, molecular cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescent in situ hybridization).
• Contribute to managing lab safety and animal welfare compliance.

Other Functions:

• Participate in science communication events with the community (K-12, general public).
• Attend weekly lab meetings and individual meetings with the P.I.
• Attend departmental seminars and engage with the broader community at Wake Forest.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Undergraduate degree in Biology or related field.
• Willingness to work with live animals.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Precise documentation and execution of experiments.
• Rigorous ethical standards.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Previous research experience is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience with or a specific interest in amphibians preferred.
• Experience with molecular bench work (e.g., DNA/RNA extractions, PCR), enzyme immunoassay, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, microscopy, and/or genomics/bioinformatics preferred.
• Previous management/supervisory experience preferred.

Accountabilities:

• Supervise, train, provide work direction, and problem-solving assistance for student workers.
• Oversee the daily operations of other staff, including student workers.

Physical Requirements:

• Ascending or descending ladders.
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Adjusting or moving objects such as 8L aquaria vessels or carboys (up to 40 pounds) in all directions.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Environmental Conditions:

• No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement Full time

Note to Applicant: This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.

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