Assistant Research Professor (CY) Barber 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:

The Assistant Research Professor, Non-Tenure Track, Calendar Year, will develop and maintain a interdependent research direction in an externally funded program investigating circadian output neuronal circuit mapping and physiology. The laboratory within the Waksman Institute, joint with the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, conducts molecular, genetic, neurophysiological, metabolic, and behavioral research on questions related to Drosophila circadian nervous system function and behavior in response to salient internal and external cues. An individual is needed who can design new studies, conduct research on questions related to Drosophila circuit reconstruction, neurophysiology, and behavioral genetics, independently perform analyses and troubleshooting, train and supervise others in key techniques and write up findings for publication. The individual will report directly to the laboratory Principal Investigator (PI), Annika Barber.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

85 % 1. Conduct grant-funded research as directed by the PI (Dr. Barber). This research will include designing, performing, and troubleshooting Drosophila behavioral genetics assays, biochemical experiments, recombinant DNA techniques, phenotypic analysis, epifluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, high throughput genomics, and high throughput metabolomics. It is expected that the research findings will be published, with the individual contributing substantially to the analysis, data visualization, 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 Drosophila 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.

Level of Decision Making
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. In 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.

Scope and Impact
This position requires the performance of professional work in support of the scientific research of a single lab comprising about 10 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. Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and should be able to effectively communicate science to a variety of audiences.

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.

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

Experience with Drosophila genetics, experience studying peripheral circadian clock biochemistry and physiology, experience in computational analysis of genomics data, experience studying metabolism, experience studying immune and inflammatory pathways in Drosophila, experience with training undergraduates in a laboratory setting.

Must be familiar with Apple and Windows computer operating systems, Microsoft Office, OriginLab, and use of high performance computing clusters for data analysis. Must be familiar with epifluorescence microscopes, gel electrophoresis, RNA isolation systems, PCR machines, autoclaves, fly feeding and locomotor behavior assays, optogenetics equipment.

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