Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Multiple Positions) (UPDATED)

This individual will work on questions related to multicellular bacterial pattern formation, biofilms, bacterial self-assembly, and the evolutionary origin of multicellularity. The goal of the lab is to solve important questions regarding infectious diseases, biomaterial science, biochemical synthesis, evolution, and ecological sustainability.

The primary purpose of this appointment is to conduct research, both independently and collaboratively with other lab members. The successful candidate will develop and troubleshoot new assays as needed, analyze data, prepare publication quality figures and keep meticulous records, and give presentations on their research findings. This individual will also participate in the training of new lab members, assist with organizing the lab (maintaining stocks, making solutions, organizing lab inventories), present research results (lab meetings, conferences), and assist with grant and progress report writing.

The candidate will also collaborate with other lab members, serve as lab manager, and train incoming students.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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The candidate will conduct their own independent research project(s), design experiments, analyze data, and participate in the writing and presentation of their research findings; the candidate will essentially function as a bench scientist. The candidate also collaborates with other lab members. 

• Design and clone genetic constructs
• Grow and handle bacteria (e.coli)

• Perform microscopy (confocal, epifluorescent)

• Perform image and data analysis
• Programming/bioinformatics
• Write reports detailing the results, organizing and ordering lab supplies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Essential: - excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work well with others in a collaborative and creative work environment.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Self-motivation, initiative, a good work ethic, creative thinking, problem solving skills and the ability to work independently (following suitable training) are highly desired.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work well with others in a collaborative and creative work environment.
• Ability to work with and manipulate bacteria (in particular e.coli – but also other species); modern molecular/cellular biology techniques; cloning; fluorescence microscopy.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational, critical thinking and follow-through skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong ability to problem solve and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally.
• Ability to work as a member of a research team with a variety of personnel.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate data.

• Ph.D. Degree in a relevant biological field (e.g., Bioengineering, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Molecular & Cellular Biology). The selected candidate must have a conferred Ph.D. upon hire. 

• At least 4 years of experience working in a life-science laboratory (or equivalent)
• Experience with computational data analysis and other computational methods/programming is a plus
• Experience with basic instrumentation like microfluidics and single cell analysis is a plus
• Knowledge and experience with laboratory practices and safety procedures