Research Assistant 2 or 3 (Technician)

Job Summary

The R. O’Neill lab and the J. Wegrzyn lab, both in the Institute for Systems Genomics at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, are seeking two Research Assistants to join their teams of scientists. The positions are available at either the Research Assistant 2 or 3 level.

About the Role

The labs specialize in broad genomic applications, focusing on data generation for assessing genome integrity and performing genome assembly, annotation, and comparative genomics. They aim to sequence endangered species across various taxonomic groups, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and plants, producing telomere-to-telomere genomes for comparative analyses. The primary role involves both short- and long-read data generation using multiple sequencing platforms (ONT, PacBio, Illumina) and a wide range of sequencing applications (whole genome shotgun, targeted sequencing, Omni-C/Hi-C, CUT&RUN, and new protocols).

Responsibilities

• Isolate nucleic acids from a variety of sample types, including tissues, blood, and cell cultures
• Perform next generation sequencing applications
• QC and library preparation
• Run standard and ultra-long Oxford Nanopore Technologies flow cells
• Manage sequencing data in a high-performance computing (HPC) environment
• Assess sequence quality metrics
• Support training new students
• Oversee sample processing and data production
• Assist in general laboratory management
• Independently perform and modify established methods
• Maintain positive working relationships with other staff, faculty, and students
• Demonstrate and practice lab safety precautions
• Attend annual safety courses required by UConn and other agencies
• Maintain accurate records for protocols, samples, and data reporting
• Facilitate the documentation of and reporting to collaborators regarding research efforts; facilitate progress reports, manuscript submissions, and grants preparation

Qualifications

• Research Assistant 2: Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or a related field and 2-3 years of relevant post-degree experience; OR Master's degree in molecular biology or a related field and up to 1 year of relevant post-degree experience.
• Research Assistant 3: Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or a related field and 4-5 years of relevant post-degree experience; OR Master's degree in molecular biology or a related field and 2-4 years of relevant post-degree experience.

• Experience analyzing, interpreting, and troubleshooting experiments independently and with colleagues
• Demonstrated experience communicating in a professional environment in written and oral format
• Experience with NGS library preparation and/or sequencing
• Experience with other NGS and library preparation methods
• Demonstrated experience with the practices and principles of NGS
• Demonstrated organizational skills, including accuracy and attention to detail while performing a high volume of work
• Demonstrated laboratory and instrumentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a multi-disciplinary research environment
• Experience with bioinformatic analytical tools and genome assembly
• Experience with nuclei preparation from frozen cells/tissue
• Experience with genomics data analysis/computational pipelines/bioinformatics

Benefits

The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For more information about benefits, visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer. All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which can be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp. All members of the University of Connecticut community are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

To apply, please visit https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs and search for Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499571. Submit your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.