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Position: Research: Postdoctoral Associate - Harkess Lab

Position Type: Full-Time

Pay:$59,800 - $60,700

Note: Two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (www.hudsonalpha.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics and personalized medicine. 

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Alex Harkess laboratory uses comparative genomics to explore the diversity of reproduction in plants. Our laboratory uses classical botany paired with cutting-edge genomics to characterize shifts in reproduction strategies across the land plant tree of life, broadly aiming to identify the genes that control reproduction. We develop novel methodologies for identifying, assembling, and analyzing sex chromosomes in plants and animals, in addition to other broad-scale questions regarding plant reproductive and evolutionary genomics, such as apomixis, flower and fruit development, and clonality.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Post-Doctoral Researcher will focus on the development of transcriptomic resources in apples and pears to identify RNA biomarkers for harvest maturity and post-harvest storage traits. The ideal candidate will have interest and experience in plant genomics, RNA sequencing and analysis, and an interest in developing biomarker assays (e.g. LAMP assays). The candidate will be responsible for preparing ultra-high-throughput RNA isolations and sequencing libraries, handling sequencing flow, processing and analyzing data, and developing biomarker assays for detecting biomarker pools. This position is funded by the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, in collaboration with Loren Honaas (USDA) and Stephen Ficklin (Washington State University).

JOB-SPECIFIC TASKS

The Post Doc:

  • Conducts and contributes to original research under the guidance of Faculty Investigator
  • Provides expertise in research program design, conduct and analysis
  • Prepares manuscripts and co-authors papers for publication in high-quality journals
  • Presents findings to the scientific community
  • Assists in the mentoring and teaching of research staff
  • Helps ensure that the research methods and ultimate work product are reflective of the highest scientific standards of integrity, quality and confidence
  • Exhibits curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery; embraces the ever-changing scientific environment
  • Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE

  • Doctoral degree from accredited institution in plant biology, biotechnology, genetics, or related field
  • Experience with RNA isolation, library construction, and sequencing
  • Experience with RNA-seq bioinformatic pipelines
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a highly collaborative environment
  • Experience advising on research methodology and analysis as well as ability to interpret laboratory results and provide conclusions
  • Demonstrated ability to advance projects, managing multiple tasks and priorities
  • Proficiency with molecular laboratory software, tools and equipment

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
  • Frequently moving between work areas.
  • Frequently moving, transporting, and positioning materials up to 30 pounds.
  • Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
  • Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners) and laboratory equipment.
  • Frequently position self (e.g. stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull/push, grasp/squeeze, wrist flexion/extension, reach to operate and maintain laboratory equipment.

Environmental Factors

  • Exposure to chemical, mechanical and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes, and airborne particles.
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Mental Functions

  • Continuous mental and visual attention, requiring sustained attention and observation.
  • Excellent fine motor skills and hand control in order to pipette accurately.
  • Ability to sustain focus during research procedures (to maintain protocol such as order of operations).
  • Ability to visually observe results and record outcomes on lab logs and/or PC.
  • Basic computer skills are required.
  • Extensive documentation skills, good attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills are required.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
  • Requires the ability to adapt to change efficiently.
  • Ability to independently lead and conduct research, and to evaluate, interpret and present complex scientific data.
  • Capacity to work productively within functionally diverse teams as well as collaborate with external investigators and partners in academic and industrial settings.
  • Ability to prioritize issues and use sound judgment to recognize when additional consultation and/or help is needed.
  • Comfortable working on multiple projects at one time.
  • Strong logical thinking and deduction skills.
  • Ability to effectively present ideas and information in a variety of formats to a wide range of audiences.
  • Positive, flexible, and professional attitude.

It is the policy of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.