Biotechnology Associate II Open
Biotechnology Associate
University Generic Title Biotechnology Associate 2
Position General Purpose
Yale Center for Molecular Discovery (YCMD) is a Yale University core facility focused on high throughput assay design and screening in micro plate formats. Our mission is to provide insight into biological mechanisms and disease targets, and to support University researchers in their efforts for the earliest phases of drug discovery. We are seeking an experienced and motivated scientist to join our Biology group. Biotechnology Associate 2 is expected to provide strong intellectual and technical support under the general guidance of the YCMD Director of Biology. He/she is expected to perform screening and discovery using Yale’s small molecule and siRNA collections, liquid handling instruments, readout technologies and database. Primary duties include design and optimization of biochemical and cell-based assays in a micro plate format, as well as execution and interpretation of high-throughput screens. Broad knowledge and experience is highly desired as projects and applications are diverse. The scope of research projects will continue to expand as the Center’s capabilities grow, providing experience in many biological systems and techniques.
Position Requirements
Essential Duties
1. Actively participate in research design, implementation and daily operations of the lab.
2. Collaborate with multiple Yale PIs to define their research objectives and evaluate possible approaches. Serve as the Center’s point of contact in established collaborative projects with Yale laboratories.
3. Solve complex research challenges by establishing, testing and analyzing protocols and processes to achieve research goals. Independently carry out research projects, including experimental design, development of methods, analysis of results and adaptation to high-throughput protocols. Conduct screening. Identify and apply relevant statistical methods to assess assay performance and identify and prioritize assay hits. Prepare summary reports. Recommend approaches for validation and follow-up.
4. Simultaneously manage multiple and diverse research projects. Coordinate resources including other team members’ activities to achieve project goals. Help troubleshoot problem areas.
5. Document research progress daily on Center’s electronic management system. Present weekly updates to screening team. Document results for discussion and reporting purposes.
6. Set up, run and maintain sophisticated Center instrumentation. Investigate, diagnose and correct system malfunctions. Write Standard Operating Procedures.
7. Expand and improve Center’s infrastructure and capabilities by anticipating future needs. Evaluate new methods, work with vendors, participate in technology evaluation and improvement projects both individually and as part of the team. Prioritize areas for development.
8. Gather complex scientific data through library research and readings of scientific material in order to develop solutions to complex problems. Disseminate findings by attending scientific meetings and interacting with colleagues in industry and academia.
9. Contribute scientific data to grant proposals. Author/co-author manuscripts for publication.
10. Serve as an expert resource in the professional development of Yale researchers by teaching specialized techniques and analysis methods commonly used in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Develop and teach lectures and hands-on courses, co-teach annual YCMD nanocourses, mentor undergraduate interns.
Additional Education and Experience
Preferred: Doctoral Degree and 2 years of experience.
Preferred: strong tissue culture experience. Extensive experience with recombinant protein expression, purification and analysis. Experience with immunofluorescence and image analysis approaches, and RNA interference techniques.
Preferred: experience using statistical methods to analyze large scale scientific experiments.
Skills & Abilities
1. Positive attitude; ability to interact favorably and professionally and to provide instruction and guidance to a diverse group of faculty, staff and students. Strong communication skills are a requirement of the position.
2. Highly motivated; ability to work both independently and as part of the team to design and carry out experimental programs. Drive to initiate improvements to current methods, or develop new methods as needed.
3. Deep knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology. Strong quantitative and organizational skills are a must; ability to multi-task and juggle multiple active projects.
4. Ability to learn new techniques and modify duties to fit changing research environment.
Ability to manage complex laboratory processes, and train a diverse population of scientists.
5. Experience with liquid handling and automation. Working experience using computer-run instrumentation. Experience with Windows and Macintosh platforms.
Expert level experience in scientific software for data analysis and statistics. Intermediate-level experience in basic computer programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Application: For more information and immediate consideration, please apply online at www.yale.edu/jobs - the STARS req ID for this position is 36459BR.