Research Associate - Crona Lab

University of North Carolina, United States

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 13 Dec 2021

Posting Information
Department SOP-DPET-452200
Career Area Research Professionals
Posting Open Date 11/22/2021
Application Deadline 12/13/2021
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Research Associate - Crona Lab
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 20041075
Vacancy ID NF0005424
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Dependent on qualifications & experience
Proposed Start Date 01/03/2022

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of five health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Public Health, Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students, 100 PhD students, and 20 Master’s students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School’s Strategic Plan (https://pharmacy.unc.edu/about/ospa/strategic-plan/)
Our vision is to be the preeminent school of pharmacy where leaders in practice, education, and research are developed and nurtured. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.
Position Summary
This full-time Research Associate will function as part of a developing team of scientists whose overall goal is to advance public health by integrating epigenetics, developmental therapeutics, and clinical pharmacology into clinical and translational research that optimizes treatment strategies for hematology/oncology patients. The position will be assigned to the laboratory of Dr. Daniel Crona at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, in the Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics. The successful candidate will support activities related to laboratory operations, handling and curation of biological materials together with data collation and analysis of experiments conducted in the laboratory. Specific details covering these activities are provided below.
Translational Science (Laboratory Science Work):
* Use molecular and cell biology techniques to assess the effects and mechanisms of epigenetic compounds and gene therapy technologies being developed in the lab.
* Design and execute experiments that employ gene knock down, over expression, CRISPR/Cas9 or Zinc Finger Nuclease, dCas9-VPR or dCas9-KRAB, and other methods to understand if modulation of the gene(s) of interest has a biological impact.
* Design and execute in vivo experiments that use relevant mouse models of human cancers (e.g., xenografts, syngeneic models and/or GEMMs)
* Perform genotyping and targeted sequencing of human DNA samples using a variety of techniques, such as real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing.
* Select, receive, culture, and bio-bank cell lines from human subjects for use in pharmacogenomics studies and/or animal samples for use in preclinical pharmacology studies.
* Perform cellular bioassays to study inter-individual differences in drug responses in tissue/cell culture.
* Generate isogenic cell lines using genome editing technologies.
* Select and order the reagents needed to conduct molecular biology and functional genomics laboratory techniques.
* Help support ongoing clinical/translational studies, which includes helping process blood for serum collection, and PBMCs for DNA or RNA extraction.
 
Laboratory Operations:
* Oversee and improve systems for tracking equipment schedules, QC and maintenance.
* Monitor and update supply ordering and track budgets from multiple funding sources. Design and implement systems to monitor supply budgets for real-time tracking of laboratory expenditures.
* Oversee laboratory equipment, schedule service calls, coordinate yearly service agreements and be the primary contact for service providers
* Negotiate special volume-based pricing from vendors.
* Help supervise and train Technicians, Postdoctoral Fellows, Students, and Other Laboratory Personnel
* Help familiarize new lab members with all lab operations, responsibilities and accountabilities (e.g. inventory management, molecular biology techniques, proper handling, storage and disposal of reagents, supplies and laboratory waste; record keeping, such as in a lab notebook or electronic log of laboratory activities; health and safety training requirements; use of personal protective equipment).
Manage Biological Material:
* Manage, ship and track biological specimens.
* Maintain records of data use agreements with collaborating institutions and/or investigators.
* Manage data and materials transfer within the institution and across collaborating institutions.
* Provide orientation and training of new users requiring access to biological specimens and/or data as to their responsibilities in accessing these specimens and/or data.
 
Preparation of Manuscripts, Grants, and Data Presentation Materials at Scientific Meetings:
* Contribute to and/or author progress reports, and possibly manuscripts (if interested)
* Help prepare posters and other materials for presentation of research at scientific conferences.
 
Manage Biological Material:
* Manage, ship and track biological specimens.
* Maintain records of data use agreements with collaborating institutions and/or investigators.
* Manage data and materials transfer within the institution and across collaborating institutions.
* Provide orientation and training of new users requiring access to biological specimens and/or data as to their responsibilities in accessing these specimens and/or data.
 
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Experience working with mice in cancer-relevant model systems (e.g., xenografts, syngeneic models, GEMMs) is required. 
Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including protein and gene expression analysis.
Demonstrated competency in data analysis and interpretation. 
Effective communicator with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Experience with gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) is highly desired. 
Extensive prior experience with transcriptomics and proteomics analysis is desirable but not essential. 
Preference given to candidate with experience using statistical software. 
Demonstrated evidence of scientific publications and presentations will be viewed favorably.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
The School’s vision is grounded in our aspiration to be a diverse and inclusive community of people who accelerate new thinking and ideas in education, research, and practice that have a positive impact on human health worldwide. We envision a school that reflects, in all its dimensions, the population it serves.
 
In your application materials please include a separate diversity statement using the “Other” document upload that outlines examples of your commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as how you will contribute to an inclusive environment at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. 
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/216395

Department Contact Name and Title Victoria Fleming, HR Consultant
Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected]
Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran. 

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