Scientist (Nucleic Acids) - NIH

Provides interpretation of results, guidance, and scientific support to the management team.

• Search existing literature for new and/or relevant techniques. 
• Assist the lab staff in the creation and preparation of a variety of documents required by the lab’s scientific activities. 

Mentors junior level scientists.

• Train staff on the proper usage of equipment. 
• Train staff in a wide variety of techniques used in the laboratory. 
• Provide scientific and technical expertise to all visiting fellows, post-docs, and technicians. 

Supports the planning and execution of research experiments in the context of the laboratory's overall research program.

• Evaluate new techniques, instruments, and software for potential incorporation into current SOP.
• Advance the science in the laboratory through new procedures and discoveries.
• Design and conduct experiments and studies requiring the application of a broad professional knowledge of scientific theories and principles.
• Advance the science through proposing and investigating new target projects for initiation based on novelty and relevance to human health.

Supports laboratory staff on research projects and techniques.

• Work with staff on the interpretation of experiments performed by research scientists.
• Independently direct and conduct special research projects that have a high priority for the laboratory with special emphasis in the development of novel research treatments.
• Work with postdoc/biological scientists to perform statistical analysis for research projects.
• Work with staff on assay design and method development using an array or experimentation.

Maintains laboratory equipment and the training of others in their use.

• Train staff on the proper usage of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Calibrate, maintain and troubleshoot instruments and equipment in the laboratory.
• Operate, troubleshoot and train others to use laboratory equipment and software.
• Provide advice and assistance to users in designing experiments, using instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis, and preparing figures for publication.

Assists in maintaining adequate space and facilities for ongoing and projected research studies.

• Manage scientific equipment and resources (e.g. reagents, stocks of frozen sells, animal samples) including acquisition, documentation and storage.
• Participate in the laboratory’s review of future proposals for resource allocations.

Evaluates, analyzes and interprets research data, communicates results and methods in reports, presentations, and manuscripts.

• Maintain a detailed and up-to-date electronic laboratory notebook detailing all experiments.
• Write technical reports and prepare manuscripts.
• Oversee project data quality; analyze and interpret project data.
• Conduct bioinformatics data analyses and statistical analyses; prepare data for abstracts and manuscripts.

Coordinates with junior staff to modify research protocols.

• Work with staff to confirm assay results and evaluate new techniques and instruments; search literature; propose, design and test alternative assays for difficult screening targets; confirm assay results; develop secondary assays.
• Work with Principal Investigators in scheduling and prioritizing instrument usage.
• Coordinate with IT staff on all software issues specific to the chemistry group and on all computer problems.
• Suggest alternative or complementary approaches to experiments.

Presents research at national scientific meetings and symposia.

• Prepare oral presentations and posters for internal and external groups/conferences.
• Co-author manuscripts on research projects; publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Write papers and abstracts detailing research efforts and results for publication in peer-reviewed journals; prepare PowerPoint presentations as appropriate.
• Give posters and presentations detailing work at regional and national scientific meetings.
• Review, edit, and, as needed, write first drafts of papers, posters and manuscripts.
• Give posters and presentations detailing work at regional and national scientific meetings.
• Present results of clinical and experimental research at recognized scientific meetings by lectures and exhibits (poster sessions).

• Master's degree in Neuroscience or related field
• Experience conducting research in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL 2) lab setting
• Proficiency with the MS Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Manuscript writing
  • Ordering Supplies
  • Data Presentation
  • Data Analysis
  • SOP Writing
  • Pipetting
  • Gel Electrophoresis
  • Library Preparation
  • Nucleic Acid Extraction
  • RNA Purification
  • Nucleic Acid Quantification
  • Transfections
  • Cell Culture
  • Western Blotting

Benefits.

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401K/Profit Sharing Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare & Dependent Care)
• Pretax Parking & Transportation Plan
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Professional Development/Education
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Employee Discount Program
• Merit Bonuses
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Assistance Program