update: June 7th, this position is currently interviewing candidates and no new applications will be reviewed at this time
Research Assistant – Crawford Lab – UNL – Position Description
This position is to work as part of a team in a molecular virology lab with ongoing studies on human cytomegalovirus infection and stem cell models. Work is laboratory based and will include techniques in molecular biology, molecular cloning, tissue culture, virology, and immunology and includes working with stem cells and human viruses. This position receives close supervision, performs standardized, routine procedures, and collects, abstracts, enters, and analyzes data, and prepares work reports. Some innovation and problem-solving is required. This is designed for an entry-level (bachelor’s degree) research position and includes growth with technique mastery, innovation, problem-solving capabilities, and activities for career development specific to the individual. This position is full time (up to 40hrs/week, M-F), starts at $15/hour, includes benefits, and can have a negotiated schedule (hours/week, days, times) to allow for other career development activities. As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination
Key Responsibilities of this position
· General lab maintenance operation – stocking, organization, solution prep, autoclaving. Approximately 15% of duties
· Molecular biology experiments – PCR, DNA isolation, gel electrophoresis, molecular (bacterial) cloning. Approximately 40% of duties.
· Tasks and procedures associated with tissue culture – cell culture, manipulation, transfection, and viral infection. Approximately 10% of job duties.
· Experimental tasks associated with standard virology and immunology techniques -- assistance with flow cytometry analysis and cell sorting. Approximately 10% of job duties.
· Careful recordkeeping, compilation, analysis, and reporting of data. Approximately 10% of job duties.
· Additional cross-training in tasks and procedures most relevant to individual career goals – which could include: stem cell culture and manipulation, mouse model assistance, experiments related to congenital HCMV infection, viral vectors, cell biology, microscopy, etc. Approximately 15% of job duties.
Specific requirements for this position:
· Bachelor’s Degree in molecular biology-related field (i.e. Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, etc)
· Basic skills in molecular biology (i.e. DNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, safe lab practices)
· Must be interested in learning skills in (or previous knowledge of): virology, tissue culture, molecular biology
· This position works with human pathogens and requires: 1) willingness to work with human specimens potentially containing and known to contain pathogens dangerous to humans, 2) work in areas rated for BSL2 pathogens, 3) work with HCMV (BSL2): specific hazards to immunocompromised individuals and individuals who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
· This position works with human stem cells and requires: willingness to work with stem cells from a variety of human specimens (including primary cells and cell lines)
Working Conditions
· this position is located at UNL’s East Campus
· typical working hours will be 9am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday
· this is intended to be a full time, hourly position for 40hrs/week, to begin as soon as possible
· ability to work independently
· ability to carry and lift 35 lbs
· ability to stand for 5 continuous hours a day
· ability to sit for 5 continuous hours a day (including at a Biosafety cabinet)
· ability to work on a computer for 5 continuous hours a day
Working Benefits
· all training is provided
· position has some flexibility for working hours (i.e 4/10s, earlier/later start, within-week flexibility) pending discussion
· position has some flexibility for total working hours (i.e. 35hrs/week) if desired but a full 40hrs/week is available
· full benefits provided
· position is located on UNL’s East Campus (including accessibility to bus routes, biking trail, and plenty of parking)
· additional career development is provided within the group and on campus
· additional career development external to campus is encouraged and supported
· this position is initially intended for post-bac individuals looking for a gap year between graduate/professional school, but funding may be available for continuation/promotion to a permanent position for those interested in a research career depending on interest and funding
To apply
Contact Dr. Lindsey Crawford directly at: lindsey.crawford@unl.edu with the following:
1) A brief cover letter (in the body of the email) introducing yourself (name, experience) and why you are interested in the position
2) Attach a copy of your CV/resume
3) Attach a copy of your transcript showing degree completion (unofficial transcripts are fine)
4) Names and emails of 3 references – at least one of whom can speak to your work qualifications (reference from a non-science job is also appropriate)
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.