Post Doctoral Researcher

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Job Description:

PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This postdoctoral position, funded through a National Science Foundation grant, will involve conducting research in collaboration with Dr. Patrick Ferree. The research goals are to use a combination of cytological, genetic, genomic, and molecular methods to investigate the chromatin basis of genome elimination caused by a B chromosome in the jewel waspNasonia vitripennis.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This information is intended to be a descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position.The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position.Perform other duties as assigned.

Under the supervision of Dr. Ferree, the postdoc will perform the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• Investigate function of target genes with genomics, transgenics, CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, systemic RNAi, and/or other approaches (50%)
• Co-supervise undergraduate research students (10%)
• Perform basic laboratory organization and insect rearing (5%)
• Develop new lines of work related to the ongoing grant-related aims (25%)
• Co-write manuscripts for publication (5%)
• Help develop and maintain a research-based website as a resource for theNasoniacommunity (5%)
• Perform other essential duties and tasks specific to the position.
• Active support for the College's Principles of Community and Principles of Diversity in the performance of job duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Work independently on the project aims, with the ability to establish and conduct new procedures in a self-guided manner.
• Demonstrate effective, accurate and clear communication with excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, reading, and leadership skills to help supervise a diverse group of undergraduate students (student volunteers and/or student employees), and promote a collegial work environment.
• Operate computers with basic Microsoft Office software (such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) as well as Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator.
• Handle all activities with patience, discretion, good judgment, courtesy, tact, and strong self-motivation while working independently on personal duties/goals and also with individuals (particularly undergraduates) from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels to accomplish designated goals in a timely manner.
• Practice skillful organizational and time management to complete work efficiently with accuracy and a keen attention to detail.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

PhD (or ABD) in some area of the biological sciences and will have prior experience in standard molecular lab techniques including PCR, RT-qPCR, in vitro transcription, and molecular cloning is required.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES:

May require a valid U.S. driver's license and maintain a driving record acceptable to the Colleges' insurance carrier.

OTHER:

HOURS & CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS:

This is a temporary status, full-time, benefits-eligible, grant-funded exempt position.

The regular hours for this full-time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.However, regular hours may vary due to needs of the project.

Holiday, weekend, and evening work hours may be required periodically for certain routine duties including insect husbandry/maintenance and to accomplish research goals in a timely manner, as determined by the PI.

This assignment is expected to end on or before June 30, 2025. This position may be extended upon mutual agreements of both parties.

Salary rate range: $66,560.00-$68,640.00 (annualized). The salary rate of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, andtraining.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Some co-mentorship of undergraduate students will be a part of the position.

Work Environment

The research duties will be performed in the Ferree laboratory, which houses standard equipment for insect husbandry and molecular biology. Some of the work may be conducted in the laboratories of collaborators located in the Southern California area.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans.

Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters.Ability to hear within normal parameters.Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file.Ability to move about.Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example to lift or move office supplies, files, books and packages.

At-Will Employment

Regular employment at the College is for no specified period of time; conditions and status of employment (hours, pay, title, duties, etc.) are subject to change at any time.Scripps College is an At-Will employer.Employees, and likewise the College, are free to end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice or cause, unless otherwise prohibited by law.