Research Assistant Professor (Calendar Year) - Rongo Lab

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

Support research in an externally funded program investigating mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy). The Rongo laboratory within the Waksman Institute, joint with the Department of Genetics, conducts molecular, genetic, cell biological, and biochemical research on questions related to mitochondrial quality control and stress response (particularly in response to hypoxic stress). An individual is needed who can conduct research on questions related to how organisms respond to hypoxic stress and mitochondrial homeostasis (including mitophagy) using the model organism C. elegans. The individual will report directly to the laboratory Principle Investigator (PI), Christopher Rongo.

1. Key Duties and Responsibilities

85 % 1. Conduct grant-funded research as directed by the PI (Dr. Rongo). This research will include performing C. elegans genetic analysis, biochemical experiments, recombinant DNA techniques, phenotypic analysis, epifluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, high throughput genomics, high throughput proteomics (e.g., mass spectrometry), and high throughput metabolomics. It is expected that the research findings will be published, with the individual contributing to the writing and production of the resulting manuscript. It is expected that the research findings will be provided as preliminary data for grant proposals, with the individual contributing to the writing and production of such proposals.

15 % 2. Train and oversee undergraduate researchers within the lab on related projects. This training will include showing undergraduates the methodologies of C. elegans husbandry and genetics, recombinant DNA techniques, protein biochemistry, microscopy, high throughput genomics and analysis, PowerPoint oral presentation of data, poster presentation of data, proper record and notebook keeping, and basic laboratory techniques. It is expected that trained students will have clear guidance and training on projects, and that they will grow towards independence under this mentorship.

Under the broad direction of the P.I., the individual is responsible for research and teaching. With regard to the research component of the position, the P.I. will act as supervisor, overseeing decisions concerning experiments. After consultation with the P.I., the individual will carry out experiments and protocols and provide verbal and written communication of these results. Must be able to use independent thinking and prioritize for deadlines and submissions. Position requires an ability to plan and interpret details of laboratory experiments. Requires the ability to anticipate reagent needs of the research based on previous experience and research strategy.

This position requires the performance of professional work in support of the scientific research of a single lab comprising about 5 individuals. This may involve assisting in determining suitable methods to be used in research and performing scientific investigative procedures requiring the application of professional judgment and technology. Employee must be able to assemble and organize data, as well as to assist in the interpretation of that data. This individual will be performing research experiments under the direct supervision of the P.I. Results of experiments will be reported to the PI and the laboratory group through daily or weekly meetings. This person will also contribute to the scientific discussions of the group. The individual must be conscientious and thorough.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in biology or subfield thereof (e.g., genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, cell biology, neurobiology), multiple years of relevant research experience in academia, and experience mentoring and teaching students.

An education in the life sciences is required in order for the individual to effectively teach genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology to undergraduates in the lab setting. The research projects cover a large span of life science topics and technical approaches, including genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, neurobiology, and molecular biology.

Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and should be able to effectively communicate science to a variety of audiences.

Experience with C. elegans genetics, experience studying the hypoxia response pathway, experience studying mitochondria, experience studying metabolism, experience studying transcriptional and translational responses and regulation, experience with training undergraduates in a laboratory setting.

Must be familiar with Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. Must be familiar with epifluorescence microscopes, gel electrophoresis, RNA isolation systems, PCR machines, autoclaves, Apple computers, Windows PC's, electrophoresis equipment, and protein purification systems (e.g., tissue homogenization and chromatography).

Able to stand, lift, bend. Able to occasionally lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Able to reach and grasp with arms and hands. Work involves possible exposure to malodorous vapors and toxic chemicals. Long periods of standing and/or sitting.

Waksman Institute of Microbiology
190 Frelinghuysen Rd
Piscataway, NJ