Research Associate

This position independently supports, develops, designs, or executes fundamental research activities for research project(s) in the field of animal sciences. The incumbent in the position participates in formulating research methods and suggesting options for improving quality and recommending solutions. May serve as co-investigator dependent upon the size of funded research project(s). Participates in writing or contributing to grant proposals. This position is responsible for conducting on-farm and laboratory experiments, to investigate the efficacy of various strategies for enhancing resistance to enteric pathogen colonization in live poultry (primarily chickens and turkeys). This will involve collection of biological samples from experimental birds as appropriate and performing downstream laboratory analyses such as gene expression analysis using quantitative RT-PCR and flow cytometry on the samples. The position will be responsible for statistical analysis of research results, the development of manuscripts for publication and supervision of students. Other responsibilities include daily management of the research laboratory, maintenance (and repair) of equipment, coordination of training for laboratory personnel to ensure compliance with university safety regulations, continued professional development and other duties as assigned. 
 
Responsible for the day-to-day management of assigned research project(s) and for establishing and maintaining an accurate reporting system as directed by the principal investigator; 
 
Independently supports, develops, designs, or executes moderately complex research activities for a single or multiple research projects; 
 
Participates in writing grant proposals or the facilitation of the grant writing process; 
 
Participates in formulating research methods and suggests options for improving quality and recommending solutions; 
 
Contributes to publications, reports and draft manuscripts; may co-present results with PI; 
 
Works independently to collect data and analyze research results; 
 
Conduct on-farm and laboratory experiments to investigate the efficacy of various strategies for enhancing resistance to enteric pathogen colonization in live poultry (primarily chickens and turkeys). This will involve collection of biological samples from experimental birds as appropriate and performing downstream laboratory analyses on the samples. Analytical techniques that will be used include aseptic techniques, bacteria culture in nutrient media, biochemical enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, cell culture, nucleic acid extraction, western blotting, qPCR, and histological analysis.