Research Teaching Specialist III

Rutgers University

United States, New Jersey, Piscataway

Aug 28, 2024

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Research Teaching Specialist III
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	RWJ-CABM
Overview	New Jersey's academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences ( RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University-New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and six centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, clinical and translational research, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research. Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers. Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state including New Brunswick, Piscataway, Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Blackwood, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates. Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Teaching Specialist III to conduct specialized research and support the setup and daily operations of a new research laboratory at the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine ( CABM). The Nyangahu lab will open this fall at Rutgers University and will conduct research focused on understanding the impact of the maternal and infant gut microbiota and virome on immune development in infants. This will include investigating how alterations in maternal or infant intestinal microbial communities may impact infant vaccine responses and immunity to pathogens as well as associated mechanisms. Infants born to mothers with living HIV, even though HIV uninfected themselves, display heightened inflammation and susceptibility to infectious diseases. The Nyangahu lab is interested in unraveling mechanisms for this phenomenon. To address these questions, Dr. Nyangahu will perform translational work conducting research in infants exposed to HIV but uninfected and their mothers and validating findings using conventional and germ-free murine models. He collaborates with several investigators conducting research on HIV-exposed Kenyan and South African infants. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in establishing laboratory protocols, maintaining equipment, and assisting with various research projects. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about microbiome research and eager to contribute to groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Teaching Specialist III conducts specialized research, using judgement to adapt methods and techniques. May be responsible for the management of a small-sized laboratory area. Assists the Principal Investigator with budgetary, training and administrative responsibilities. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Under the direction of the PI, conducts research related to understanding the impact of the maternal and infant gut microbiota and virome on immune development in infants. Assists in setting up and organizing the new laboratory space, and day-to-day maintenance of laboratory supplies, space, and instrumentation/ equipment. As assigned, carries out various technical and research operations relating to investigatory activities of the laboratory using standard molecular biology and immunological techniques. Assists in organizing and conducting specialized research activities for a particular research project. Prepares and maintains laboratory reagents and solutions. Performs DNA/RNA extraction, conventional and quantitative PCR and prepare libraries for sequencing (16S and shotgun metagenomics). Run ELISAs and Luminex assays to quantify proteins in various samples.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	22S
Position Salary
Annual Minimum Salary	60543.00
Annual Mid Range Salary	72444.00
Annual Maximum Salary	85865.00
Standard Hours	37.50
Union Description	HPAE 5094
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Master's Degree in a relevant science plus one (1) year of related research experience, or a Bachelor's Degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related science plus two (2) years of related research experience is required.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Requires demonstrated knowledge of standard molecular biology and immunological techniques. Proficiency in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing methods is needed. Must possess strong organizational and multitasking skills, along with excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records. Must have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. - Strong oral and written communication skills required. Commitment to maintaining a safe and clean laboratory environment. Familiarity with approaches for microbiome assessment (16S rRNA sequencing and whole genome sequencing) is required.
Preferred Qualifications	Familiarity with processing of samples, staining, and acquiring on the flow cytometer. Experience working with murine models. Knowledge of proper handling of mice and familiarity with mouse work techniques.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Physical Demands: Standing, sitting, walking, talking, seeing, and hearing. Manual dexterity and vision sufficient for standard laboratory operations including pipetting and use of microscopes. Must be able to lift or exert force up to twenty (20) pounds. Work Environment: Lab environment. Universal lab and safety precautions are mandatory. This position requires occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work to meet deadlines.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	24ST2081
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus	Piscataway (RBHS)
City	Piscataway
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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