Research Associate 2

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The University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science (Rosenstiel) and Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Research Associate II.

This position is situated within the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science (Rosenstiel). The work will involve close collaboration with scientists at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), where the applicant will be physically
stationed. The principal objectives of the position will be to manage several molecular biology lab spaces to support NOAA’s growing efforts in ‘Omics. The incumbent will work regularly with NOAA and Cooperative Institute (CI) scientists to ensure lab spaces are fully operational and utilizable to their greatest capacity. A variety of ‘Omics tools (e.g., metabarcoding, metagenomics, & transcriptomics) are utilized within these labs to help meet mission objectives,
including source tracking, coral conservation, and fisheries. Additionally, the incumbent will provide safety oversight for all AOML lab spaces within the Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division (OCED). The incumbent will carry out a variety of tasks (detailed below) to ensure that AOML’s OCED laboratories are operating safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
● maintaining clean, organized, and safe laboratory spaces associated with molecular biological sample processing and analysis,
● maintaining consumable inventories, providing timely ordering of supplies and rectification of purchases,
● maintaining equipment, including scheduling of service and overseeing maintenance contracts,
● maintaining clean and organized refrigerators and freezers,
● working to ensure proper sample archiving, which includes maintaining a trackable system of physical samples in freezers and the metadata associated with samples on online database(s),
● in collaboration with AOML safety personnel and committees, ensure that the AOML OCED labs are compliant with OSHA and other regulatory agencies with respect to hazardous materials, personnel training, proper chemical storage and disposal, biological safety, etc. including assisting with maintaining relevant documentation
● arranging and scheduling use of laboratory spaces and equipment, and assisting with the orientation of new laboratory personnel and providing training on equipment use, commonly used protocols, and standard,
● participating in AOML Safety committee meetings and OCED monthly safety walkthroughs. Opportunities also include assisting with laboratory work associated with various ‘Omics projects, including gaining experience with next-generation sequencing technologies (Illumina,Oxford Nanopore), robotics (eDNA collection, DNA extraction, and liquid handling robots), imaging systems, and other emerging technologies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
● The successful applicant must possess at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, marine science, or a related field, and two years of relevant experience working in a molecular laboratory.
● The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and proactive with respect to laboratory maintenance/upkeep and streamlining of laboratory operations, yet still be adept at working as part of a large team comprised of multiple PIs, research scientists, graduate, and undergraduate students who will be using the laboratory spaces.
● Keen organizational and communications skills will be critical since there is an expectation that the incumbent will need to coordinate extensively among the diverse lab users referenced above.
● The incumbent will be expected to routinely meet with NOAA and Cooperative Institute scientists, as well as interns.
● The incumbent may occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

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