Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Overview

The Cook Lab in Biological Sciences at Marquette University is seeking a postdoctoral research scientist to fulfill obligations for a funded National Science Foundation grant performing field and lab research experiments.

This position is a 12-month appointment, with renewal for a second year based on performance / progress and funding. The salary is competitive with full benefits as a full-time employee.

The project is focused on identifying the complex gene networks that are associated with thermoregulatory behavior in honey bees.

The candidate should have experience conducting experiments and analyzing transcriptomic data as related to complex phenotypes like behavior.

The postdoctoral research scientist is expected to design and perform procedures / techniques for the extraction of DNA / RNA using standard molecular methods for sequencing analysis, physiological assay, behavioral experiments, and advanced knowledge in genomic, transcriptomic, and gene editing technologies, with some knowledge of these techniques in non-model organisms .

Scientists should be willing to learn new technologies and expected to supervise and mentor student researchers and assist with routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

As a more senior member of a growing research group, you will be expected to take on a bigger leadership role while working closely with supervisor.

As a relatively new research lab, independence, pushing projects to completion, and publishing are major priorities. Interview will include a presentation to the lab and a submission of a writing sample. Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, manage, and perform field and laboratory behavioral experiments, physiological experiments, prepare samples for sequencing.
• Manage overall progress of research projects by working independently, but closely with PI.
• Follow quality control protocols and design standard operating procedures (SOPs) that comply with Standard Methods
• Use Laboratory Information Management Systems for documentation of QA / QC / Standards / Research / Other samples.
• Direct routine molecular biology procedures
• Direct preparation of equipment, samples, reagents, media, and solutions for use in the laboratory
• Prepare and submit all necessary reports and related· Knowledge and skills in bee genomics, genetics, molecular biology, cellular or developmental biology for at least 2 years
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in insect genomics / transcriptomics / RNAi / Epigenetics
• Experience and interest in mentoring / teaching students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Must be organized and detail-oriented with the ability to work under limited supervision.
• Ability to produce outcomes under strict deadlines.
• Experience using single-cell sequencing, nanopore direct-sequencing, or Illumina sequencing.
• Knowledge and skills in bioinformatics, data science, programming, or computational biology for at least 2 years research manuscripts to research faculty / PI
• Manage honey bee colonies
• Ensure maintenance of chemical inventory and laboratory equipment
• Data entry, managements, and summarization
• Perform bioinformatic analysis using programming skills in computational biology.
• Assist PI with statistically valid data analysis and interpretation.
• Prepare research findings for presentations and publications.
• Meet with research PI weekly, to discuss work projects and outputs and assign priorities.
• Mentor and work with graduate and undergraduate students for research
• Facilitate operation of the lab and assist the faculty / students.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Earned doctorate (or its foreign equivalent) or appropriate terminal degree. Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills in bee genomics, genetics, molecular biology, cellular or developmental biology for at least 2 years
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in insect genomics / transcriptomics / RNAi / Epigenetics
• Experience and interest in mentoring / teaching students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Must be organized and detail-oriented with the ability to work under limited supervision.
• Ability to produce outcomes under strict deadlines.
• Experience using single-cell sequencing, nanopore direct-sequencing, or Illumina sequencing.
• Knowledge and skills in bioinformatics, data science, programming, or computational biology for at least 2 years
• Level of comfort with stinging insects.

Department Biological Sciences