Research Assistant Professor - Watt Lab

Salary/Position Classification

• $60,000-$75,000 Annual, Exempt

• 100% Remote Work Availability: No

• Hybrid Work Availability: No

Purpose of Position

A Research Assistant Professor position is available at the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of North Dakota, School of Medicine and Health Sciences. This research assistant professor will join the laboratory of Dr. John Watt to study epigenetic modifications which underlie the reduced potential for axonal outgrowth and regeneration in the aging central nervous system. This research will also offer opportunities for collaborative projects with research scientists located on campus.

Duties & Responsibilities

Study epigenetic modifications which underlie the reduced potential for axonal outgrowth and regeneration in the aging central nervous system. This research will also offer opportunities for collaborative projects with research scientists located on campus. Our lab uses multidisciplinary strategies to address these questions, applying state-of-the-art biochemical, molecular biology, genetic, and imaging techniques including Bioinformatic skills: Languages: command line (shell/bash), python, R, experience in server/cloud based high performance cluster computing in a Unix/Linux environment. Experience using workflow management systems such as Slurm and Snakemake. Bioinformatic analysis and preferred package experience in; RNA-seq: Differential gene expression (DESeq2), biological and pathway enrichment (enrichGO, KEGG, SPIA), ATAC-seq: Chromatin accessibility enrichment, TSS enrichment, and motif enrichment (Homer). Additional experience in nanopore sequencing, differential methylation (Nanopolish), pathway enrichment (clusterprofiler) and protein/pathway network analysis is desired. Expected to interact with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and students within a larger group of researcher personnel at UND studying neuroepigenetics.

The candidate will perform laboratory-based research in this area including:

• Lead research projects and participate in general lab management.

• Potential for obtaining extramural funding is encouraged but not required.

• Design, implementation, analysis, and interpretation of laboratory experiments.

• Supervising and training undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the lab

• Assist principal investigator in grant writing and manuscript preparation.

• Assist compliance with animal and safety protocols.

• Participate in all additional facets of the research laboratory.

Minimum Requirements

• Possess a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in neurobiology, microbiology, or related discipline with a minimum of two years of post-doctoral experience

• Research experience in at least two of the following areas: cell culture, histological preparations, animal handling, genomic analysis

• Two first-author peer-reviewed publications in top-tier biomedical journals

• Successful completion of criminal history records check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience independently completing complex research projects

• Proficiency in scientific oral and written communication

• Experience with biochemistry, primary cell culture, western blot analysis, qRT-PCR, RNA/DNA isolation and purification, and genomic analysis

To Apply

Review of applications will begin on 5/6/2024. Position is open until filled.

Must apply online at https://campus.und.edu/human-resources/careers/job-openings.html and application must include the following materials:

• Full CV that includes education or other academic appointments, complete publication record and research skills listed in deta

• Contact information of three references

• A PDF copy of the most representative publication of the applicant's previous research

• A statement of research interest