Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Teaching Specialist V to support the setup and daily operations of a new research laboratory at the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine (CABM).
The Nyangahu lab at Rutgers University conducts research focused on understanding the impact of the maternal and infant gut microbiota and virome on immune development in infants. This will include investigating how alterations in maternal or infant intestinal microbial communities may impact infant vaccine responses and immunity to pathogens as well as associated mechanisms. Infants born to mothers with living HIV, even though HIV uninfected themselves, display heightened inflammation and susceptibility to infectious diseases. The Nyangahu lab is interested in unraveling mechanisms for this phenomenon. To address these questions, Dr. Nyangahu will perform translational work conducting research in infants exposed to HIV but uninfected and their mothers and validating findings using conventional and germ-free murine models. He collaborates with several investigators conducting research on HIV exposed Kenyan and South African infants.
The successful candidate will play a crucial role in establishing laboratory protocols, maintaining equipment, and assisting with various research projects. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about microbiome research and eager to contribute to groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
The primary purpose of the Research Teaching Specialist V is to conduct specialized research and performs various research and technical operations relative to the ongoing investigatory activities of the laboratory. This position is an excellent training opportunity for those aspiring to pursue careers in science and/or medicine. This is a grant-funded position contingent on the availability of continued grant funding.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
Assists in setting up and organizing the new laboratory space, and day-to-day maintenance of laboratory supplies, space, and instrumentation/ equipment.
Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents and solutions.
Perform DNA/RNA extraction and prepare libraries for sequencing (16S and shotgun metagenomics).
Conduct experiments using both human and murine samples.
Conduct flow cytometry analysis of mouse tissues.
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including PCR machines.
Maintain accurate and detailed lab records and documentation. Must keep detailed records of procedures and experiments.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols.
Assist the principal investigator in training of students and new staff in the lab.
Support the principal investigator and research team in various administrative tasks including ordering, shipping, receiving, and inventory.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field.
City: Piscataway
State: NJ
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
PHYSICALDEMANDS:
Standing, sitting, walking, talking, seeing, and hearing. Manual dexterity and vision sufficient for standard laboratory operations including pipetting and use of microscopes. Must be able to lift or exert force up to twenty (20) pounds.
WORKENVIRONMENT;
Lab environment. Universal lab and safety precautions are mandatory.
Special Conditions:
Interested candidates must apply online and should submit:
A cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience
A detailed CV/resume
Contact information for at least two professional references
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national public research university and the state's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. Rutgers is dedicated to teaching that meets the highest standards of excellence; to conducting research that breaks new ground; and to turning knowledge into solutions for local, national, and global communities. As it was at our founding in 1766, the heart of our mission is preparing students to become productive members of society and good citizens of the world. Rutgers teaches across the full educational spectrum: preschool to precollege; undergraduate to graduate and postdoctoral; and continuing education for professional and personal advancement. Rutgers is New Jersey's land-grant institution and one of the nation's foremost research universities, and as such, we educate, make discoveries, serve as an engine of economic growth, and generate ideas for improving people's lives.