Research Associate or Post-Doctoral Research Associate

JOB SUMMARY

The laboratory of Dr. Dan Fabris in the Chemistry Department, at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, is seeking to hire a Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Associate with a background in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques. The incumbent will aid in the development of new MS-based technologies for sequencing nucleic acids therapeutics. The project will be carried out at the University of Connecticut under Dr. Dan Fabris’ supervision. Highly motivated individuals holding a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical biology, or related fields or an M.S. degree with extensive experience are encouraged to apply. 

The individual hired for this position will receive extensive training on all the instrumentation available in the laboratory, which includes FT-ICR, Orbitrap, and ion mobility platforms. Training will be also provided on sample handling and preparation techniques for DNA and RNA analytes.  

The incumbent will be expected to use initiative in the planning and execution of the different tasks; maintain the research productivity necessary to cultivate a presence in the scientific community; to develop a good understanding of how to best prioritize the various tasks according to the situation on the ground; to maintain the maximum possible flexibility to facilitate the solution of unforeseen problems. The incumbent will report directly to Dr. Fabris, the laboratory’s principal investigator. No direct experience is required in mass spectrometry and related techniques. If necessary, appropriate training will be provided to the new hire.   

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Evaluating the merits of collision-induced dissociation (CID) and negative electron transfer dissociation (nETD) in the gas-phase sequencing of complex DNA and RNA samples. 
• Setting up infrared and ultraviolet lasers on our Fourier Transform-Ion Cyclotron Resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometer to investigate the merits of photodissociation.”
• Train and lead a team of undergraduate and graduate research assistants. 
• Lab maintenance, including equipment maintenance and upgrading, and ordering of supplies as needed. 

If hired as a post-doctoral research associate, the incumbent will also be responsible for these additional tasks:

• Participate in designing experiments and completing data analysis and interpretation. 
• Participate in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentations.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

1. For Both Levels: Experience in Mass spectrometry (MS) instrumentation and related techniques. 
2. Research Associate: Ph.D. and up to one year of closely related experience or M.S. degree in Chemistry, Chemistry Biology or a closely related field and 8-10+ years’ experience.
3. Postdoctoral Research Fellow: PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemistry Biology, or a closely related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. For Both Levels: Experience with nucleic acids analysis. 
2. For Both Levels: Experience with liquid chromatography of nucleic acids. 
3. Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Experience with mentoring. 

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 12-month, annually renewable position dependent on funding and performance. Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience.

For Research Associate: This is a full-time, grant-funded, 12-month position. This position is subject to annual renewal, contingent on satisfactory performance and budget funding. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors UConn Chapter (AAUP).

For Postdoctoral Research Associate: Other rights and terms and conditions of your appointment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Local 6950. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498811 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

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