Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Basic Medical Sciences (Phoenix)

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Shalini Sharma in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. The successful candidate will be a well-rounded, enthusiastic individual with training in the area of RNA Biology. We are seeking a highly motivated individual who has exceptional analytical and communication skills, capacity to work independently, and a strong background in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The applicant should have experience performing research in a laboratory setting and should have authored peer-reviewed research publications. Successful candidates will be detail-oriented, conscientious, able to work independently under direction of the principal investigator, and have the ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner orally and in writing.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix anchors the 28-acre Phoenix Biomedical Campus in the heart of the Valley of the Sun. The College inspires and trains individuals to become exemplary physicians, scientists and leaders who are life-long learners and inquisitive scholars. The Phoenix Biomedical Campus embodies the University’s priorities of engagement, partnership, innovation, and synergy in its world-class academic and research initiatives, with clinical facilities throughout Greater Phoenix.

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

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• Develops, designs, and conducts one or more small or moderately complex research projects in line with plan.  Interpret data and analyze results independently under the direction of the principal investigator. Responsible for operation of a specialized research area or lab.
• Formulates research methods and develops research criteria.
• Familiarization of research literature, design of daily research experiment.
• Conduct various research projects related to mechanistic investigations of pre-mRNA splicing. These experiments include, but are not limited to:
  • In vitro splicing assays
  • Isolation and characterization of splicing complexes
  • RNA and protein affinity purification
  • RNA-protein interaction assays using SPR and fluorescence polarization
  • Cellular reporter assays for pre-mRNA splicing
  • Cellular transfections and editing
• Present research findings at internal, local and potentially national scientific meetings.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in grant writing, including generating preliminary data, submitting grant applications, and preparing progress reports.
• Oversee day-to-day operation of project and may supervise trainees and support personnel.
• Assume progressively more autonomous responsibilities for project development and execution with the aim of career maturation towards becoming an independent scientist. 
• Additional career development opportunities will be tailored to individual’s goals.
• Additional duties as assigned.

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related field required.
• Up to one year of experience required.

• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner orally and in writing.

• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, such as RNA isolation, electrophoresis and qRT-PCR, plasmid transfection.

• Experience in immunohistochemical and Western Blot methods.

• Cell culture.

• Experience with basic statistics.

• Experience with bioinformatics tools and analyses.

• Familiarity with immunological methods such as western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to independently develop reports and manuscripts and present findings in tabular, oral, written, and/or graphic formats.

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