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This position provides technical, scientific, and organizational assistance to Prof. Dietmar Kueltz’s research team in the Department of Animal Science. Specifically, this position will support an NSF funded research projected directed at studying whole body regeneration and cell immortalization in tunics by using quantitative proteomics. The research is designed to identify and genetically manipulate pro- and anti-proliferative genes and proteins in the colonial tunicate Botryllus schlosseri and in fish cell lines. The research contributes to the generation of fundamental knowledge stress-induced evolution in cells from aquatic chordates.

Research 90%
The Junior Specialist will be required to perform culture and maintenance of Botryllus schlosseri and corresponding feeder cultures (algae, rotifers), prepare samples for proteomic analysis, and help with maintaining primary cell cultures and cell lines. This person will also conduct stress exposure experiments with Botryllus schlosseri and primary cultures from that organism. In addition, the junior specialist will maintain accurate and organized datasets, and effectively allocate work time between diverse tasks (ability to multi-task and manage time is a must). Resourcefulness, strong attention to detail, and the ability to adapt fluidly as research projects progress will be important for success. The candidate should have experience with the laboratory culture of colonial tunicates and sample preparation for proteomics.

The Junior Specialist will learn to analyze data according to established protocols and assist the PI and other members of the Kueltz lab in formatting data for reports. They will learn to utilize various data and statistical analysis software programs, including various R statistics modules, Skyline, MSstats, and others. They will keep detailed laboratory notebooks documenting benchtop work and write and edit Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) as needed. They will conduct peer-reviewed literature searches related to Botryllus schlosseri NSF funded projects collaborate with other members of the Kueltz Lab and other researchers when appropriate. They will be able to effectively communicate with a diverse array of colleagues in written and verbal form.

The Junior Specialist will assist the laboratory manager in consistent maintenance of lab equipment, and general upkeep of lab space. They will track inventory of tissue and proteomic samples stored in the Kueltz Lab. They will help the lab manager ensure that supplies are well stocked and order supplies as needed, recording all expenses. They will contribute to keeping track of chemical and safety records.

Successful candidates will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, experience in colonial tunicate laboratory culture, experience in proteomics sample preparation, and a desire to learn from and work with other lab members as well collaborators.

Professional Competence 5%
The Junior Specialist will be required to contribute to scholarly manuscripts by helping to write methods and results sections, performing literature searches, and providing feedback on manuscript drafts. These efforts will be recognized through co-authorship or, depending on contribution, first authorship.

University and Public Service 5%
In the second year, the Junior Specialist will have the opportunity to mentor high school and undergraduate students after being trained in these activities during the first year. Their duties may also include contributing to safety training of other lab members.

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