Research Associate

Employment Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Vacancy ID: NF0010059

Salary Range: $62,115 - $70,000

Position Summary/Description:

The primary purpose of the Research Associate is to support the work of Dr. Tessa Andermann. This position will perform laboratory and data analysis for molecular studies of the gut microbiome of immunocompromised patients in the Andermann Lab at UNC -CH. The researcher will perform laboratory tasks related to shotgun metagenomic sequencing ( DNA extraction, library prep/ PCR , pooling of samples) and bioinformatics (primarily stool metagenomics).

This work will include conducting complex experiments, which will entail adaptation and modification of existing procedures in the laboratory. To support this experimental work, the position will require review and interpretation of relevant literature, analysis of complex data, as well as data interpretation.

The researcher will work under the close direction of the principal investigator, Dr. Tessa Andermann, in collaboration with other labs and PIs as part of the Lineberger Cancer Center and the Division of Infectious Diseases. Dr. Andermann is an Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases. The Division of Infectious Diseases develops ongoing clinical, educational, and research programs directed toward the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

Working throughout the state and across campus, the Division’s goals include: (1) Improving clinical care in infectious diseases, including activities related to the management of immunocompromised patients with infectious diseases; activities related to emerging pathogens and clinical outreach; and (2) Coordinating basic and applied research in infectious diseases and fostering collaboration among other investigators and researchers.

Education and Experience:

Prior experience investigating the gut microbiome in immunocompromised patients, culturing and microbiology laboratory skills.

Essential Skills:

• Experience with molecular biology and microbiology laboratory techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR, and preparation of next-generation sequencing libraries.

• Experience with shotgun metagenomic and/or 16S rRNA sequencing and the associated bioinformatic analysis.

• Proficiency with bioinformatics workflows for taxonomic profiling of microbial communities and detection of antimicrobial resistance genes, including work in a command-line (Unix/Linux) environment and a statistical or scripting language such as R or Python.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to adapt, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental protocols, and to critically analyze and interpret complex datasets.

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills in English, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

AA/EEO Statement:

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.