The University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) and Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Research Associate II.
This position is situated within the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS). The work will involve close collaboration with scientists at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), where the applicant will be physically stationed. The principal objective of the position will be to build and manage a cutting-edge
molecular biology laboratory to support NOAA’s growing efforts in ‘Omics. The incumbent will use a variety of ‘Omics tools (e.g., metabarcoding, metagenomics, & transcriptomics) to help meet mission objectives, including work with harmful algal blooms (HABs), coral conservation, and fisheries. The incumbent will carry out a variety of tasks (detailed below) to ensure that AOML’s ‘Omics laboratories are both operational and compliant.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
● maintaining clean, organized, and safe laboratory spaces associated with molecular biological sample processing and analysis,
● maintaining consumable inventories, providing timely ordering of supplies and rectification of purchases,
● maintaining equipment, including scheduling of service and overseeing maintenance contracts,
● maintaining clean and organized refrigerators and freezers,
● working with a data manager to ensure proper sample archiving, which includes maintaining a trackable system of physical samples in freezers and the metadata associated with samples on online database(s),
● ensuring that the ‘Omics labs are compliant with OSHA and other regulatory agencies with respect to hazardous materials, personnel training, proper chemical storage and disposal, biological safety, etc., in collaboration with AOML safety personnel and committees,
● arranging and scheduling use of laboratory spaces and equipment usage, and
● assisting with the orientation of new laboratory personnel and providing training on equipment use, commonly used protocols, and standards.
Opportunities may also include assisting with laboratory and field work associated with various ‘Omics projects.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
● The successful applicant must possess at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, marine science, or a related field, with at least 2 years of demonstrated experience working in a molecular laboratory.
● The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and proactive with respect to laboratory maintenance/upkeep and the streamlining of laboratory operations, yet still be adept at working as part of a large team comprised of multiple PIs, research scientists, graduate, and undergraduate students who will be using the laboratory spaces.
● Keen leadership, organizational, and communications skills will be critical since there is an expectation that the incumbent will need to coordinate extensively among the diverse lab users referenced above.
● The incumbent will be expected to routinely meet with both supervisors and laboratory users (NOAA and Cooperative Institute scientists, as well as interns).
● The incumbent may occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and could have opportunities to participate in field work that could require movement across uneven environmental terrain such as beach sand, shallow waters, or work aboard small boats orresearch vessels.
The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.
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