Position Details

Position Information

Posting date

01/31/2022

Closing date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Position Number

1128026

Position Title

Research Associate, Biotechnology

Department this Position Reports to

Thayer School of Engineering

Hiring Range Minimum

Please Inquire

Hiring Range Maximum

Please Inquire

SEIU Level

Not an SEIU Position

FLSA Status

Exempt

Employment Category

Regular Full Time

Scheduled Months per Year

12

Scheduled Hours per Week

40

Schedule

Location of Position

Hanover, NH 03755
Thayer School of Engineering
14 Engineering Drive

Remote Work Eligibility?

Onsite only

Is this a term position?

No

If yes, length of term in months.

N/A

Is this a grant funded position?

Yes

Position Purpose

This Research Associate/Staff Scientist position plays a critical role in a research laboratory providing research services to investigators conducting pre-clinical and human vaccine and drug trials by offering a suite of biophysical characterization techniques for analysis of immune responses.

At the Dartmouth Antibody Lab, we have a small team committed to providing best in class antibody characterization and assessment in support of clinical trials across diverse disease states including HIV, Polio, Influenza, COVID -19, and much more. We use a combination of biophysical methodologies including flow cytometry and electrochemiluminescence to characterize antibody responses and then develop and implement correlational and predictive models which can be used to inform downstream clinical vaccine development or trial outcomes. A Research Associate will guide a small group of research assistants in data collection using established assays as well as developing novel assay platforms, assay optimization and validation, and maximizing productivity of the laboratory through efficient organization and administration of laboratory staff. They will also be active members of a highly engaged, close-knit lab and contribute to lab operations.

Description

Seeking a candidate with a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field (e.g. immunology, biochemistry, or molecular biology) to become a leader of a collaborative group of researchers that biophysically characterize antibodies elicited during immunization or passive infusion using specialized techniques developed in the Ackerman lab. Working with researchers who are at the cutting edge of HIV /Polio/ COVID -19 vaccine development, a qualified applicant will drive the development and understanding of vaccine responses by providing reliable data and analysis. Candidates must be organized, able to work independently, and expertise in relevant laboratory procedures and techniques.

This is a full-time, 40 hours/week position.

Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp

PhD plus 2-3 years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field (e.g. immunology, biochemistry, or molecular biology) and evidence of a high degree of autonomy.
• Ability to produce scientifically rigorous results, figures, presentations, and written material for publication.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: robotic liquid handling, flow cytometry, protein chemistry, or analytical chemistry.
• Strong organization skills and ability to respond appropriately to pressures, deadlines, and frequent changes in priorities and schedules.
• Willingness to work with hazardous materials such as infectious materials, human and simian bodily fluids, and/or hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to interact with others with tact and diplomacy.
• Initiative, sound judgment, and ability to work independently.
• Ability to lift a 50 pound container of reagent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two plus years of postdoctoral/industry experience with high degree of autonomy OR four years of relevant research experience and some management experience.
• Critical thinking skills to develop and implement experiments independently.
• Breadth of knowledge in biochemistry and immunology, including state of the art techniques.
• Highly proficient with computer applications.
• Ability to lead and direct others.

Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries

Josh Weiner

Department Contact Phone Number

Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title

Professor Margaret Ackerman

Department Contact's Phone Number

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.

Background Check

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job?

Not an essential function

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is funded by a grant. Continuation is based upon available funds.

All Dartmouth College employees, whether working on-site or remotely, are required to be up to date with vaccination against COVID -19 (or to have received an approved exemption from vaccination through the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity). Please visit https://dartgo.org/vaxpolicy for details. Compliance with this requirement is a condition of employment. Failure to meet this condition of employment may result in Dartmouth in its sole discretion delaying your start date or rescinding its offer of employment.

Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles, or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy

Additional Instructions

Quick Link

https://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/61478

Key Accountabilities

Description

Research/Experiments

• Perform single and multiplexed immunoassays using the Luminex and MSD instrument platforms in 96 and 384-well formats.
• Expands platforms to improve breadth of biophysical characterization techniques currently used.
• As necessary, develops and/or implements new or modified research methods, procedures, and techniques to meet the unique requirements of assigned research problems.
• Identifies, troubleshoots, and corrects or recommends solutions to problems associated with experimental design, methods, procedures, and techniques; or equipment and facilities.
• Improves laboratory throughput by optimization of experimental methods, as well as integration of novel tools to improve process.
• Adheres to laboratory standard operating procedures, to ensure Good Clinical Laboratory Practices ( GCLP ), including careful documentation and strict protocol adherence.
• As needed, design experiments to validate current platforms previously developed in the Ackerman lab to ensure reproducibility and accuracy.

Percentage Of Time

60%

Description

Data Collection/Preparation

• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data resulting from experimentation.
• Performs literature searches to develop information of relevance to the research.
• Prepares appropriate and understandable representations of data such as sequences, graphs, charts, etc.
• Participates in the preparation of reports and presentations of the research findings. Presents at internal laboratory meetings.
• Interacts with the Ackerman, Lee, Griswold, and Goods groups at weekly lab meetings through attendance and presentations.
• Contributes to the preparation of scientific manuscripts by drafting portions of the text, preparing graphs, tables, and charts, etc.
• Conducts literature searches to develop insights into the significance of experimental results and to acquire information on new or improved methods, procedures and techniques.
• Manages a team of operators who will provide assistance in core operations, development, and maintenance.
• Ensures timely collection of data by managing operator performance and planning.
• Adheres to laboratory safety requirements including general and chemical/hazardous waste safety disposal methods.
• Instructs others in laboratory methods, procedures, and techniques and provides technical guidance and direction as required.
• Oversees day-to-day care and housekeeping of laboratory.
• Monitors laboratory equipment and instrument performance; obtains maintenance and repair as necessary.
• Maintains computerized records associated with laboratory activities.

Percentage Of Time

40%

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Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

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Performs other duties as assigned.
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Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents