Job no: 518928
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Research/Scientific/Grants
Department:29180300 - MD-NEUROLOGY-MOVEMENT DISORDER

Classification Title:

Biological Scientist III

Job Description:

The University of Florida’s College of Medicine’s Department of Neurology is seeking a Molecular Biologist (Biological Scientist III) for the Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Neuroscience, which is physically based at the McKnight Brain Institute and in the UF Health Pathology Molecular Genetic Laboratory. The position will be part of a team with Professor Matt Farrer (Principal Investigator), Dr. Shannon Corrigan who runs wet lab Molecular Genetic operations, and Jonathan Bravo who oversees Bioinformatics. Applicants must have an aptitude for population and pedigree-based molecular genetics and have experience with high-throughput sequencing, genotyping and Sanger sequencing. Applicants should also be familiar with bioinformatic methods for genome alignment, annotation and genetic variant analysis, although training opportunities will be offered.

Currently funded, IRB-approved, human research focuses on the molecular pathogenesis of neurologic and neurodegenerative disorders, and includes whole genome sequencing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia and Parkinson’s syndromes. Professor Farrer’s team has previously authored articles for American Journal of Human Genetics, Nature Genetics, Science and specialty neurology journals, and their work has been featured in televised documentaries and public radio. We are looking for a candidate to contribute and share in that success, to help predict and prevent neurologic disorders, by applying molecular genetic methods.

The University of Florida is a top-tier research university with $900 million of annual research funding. The latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report recognizes UF among the nation's top five public universities and 28/392 in universities in the US overall. UF Health is the Southeast’s most comprehensive academic health center, unique for our diverse constellation of health Colleges, Institutes and Centers, and our hospitals, faculty practices and patient care programs. Founded in 1853, the main campus is located in Gainesville, an affordable but vibrant city, that serves as the educational hub and commercial center for North Central Florida. Gainesville is centrally located within 90 minutes of either coast and is near other major cities including Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa. With mild winters and warm summers, the region is known for its nature parks and prairies, sparse pine forest and pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

Essential responsibilities to include:

Tasks are related to Illumina high-throughput genome sequencing, including prior DNA isolation from human tissues, sample plating, nucleic acid quantification, and genomic library preparation. Conduct and report quality control procedures at all stages of the workflow and perform routine bioinformatics processes. The position is to maximize sample throughput to minimize costs related to genetic sequencing. Work with Dr. Corrigan to review results and ensure research priorities are met.

ABI 3500 genetic analyses (Sanger sequencing, fragment size analyses and genotyping), Agena MASSarray SNP/CNV genotyping and real time qPCR for IRB-approved research projects in brain health and neurologic disease. Project-based research requires future planning and the ability to multitask. Laboratory work and related genetic analyses also require significant scientific/intellectual effort.

Genetic data analyses including quality control inspection, data cleaning, genotype and phenotype database integration, and secondary analyses that may include proprietary and public data sources, and requires familiarity with some genetic and statistical software packages.

Ensure all procedures and documents are maintained as required as part of good laboratory practice, including quality control and quality assurance. Design and maintain laboratory safety programs and protocols. Train lab personnel in all laboratory safety techniques, standard laboratory practice, genomic protocols and procedures including HIPAA compliance and relevant security/safety issues. This position is to stay informed of current research findings, changes/enhancements in research studies and standards, technological advances, instrumentation, and software by reading scientific literature pertinent to the research area, conferring with vendors and attending professional conferences at which they may represent the university in a technical capacity.

Miscellaneous duties to be conducted as necessary to complete previously described functions including attendance at lab meetings, written and oral clinical and research communications, collaboration and consultation with team members, researchers and other professionals within and external to the team to analyze and define problems, strategize and recommend optimized solutions.

Expected Salary:

$50,000 to $59,000

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field and seven years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree in biology or a closely related field and five years of relevant experience; Doctoral degree in biology or a closely related field and two years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

The preferred candidate will have a degree in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, or a related field with at least two years of experience with genetic and/or molecular biology techniques in a research or clinical laboratory.

Seeking candidates with the following skills:

• Excellent theoretical and applied practical knowledge of human genetics, genomics and molecular biology is required to perform DNA and RNA extractions, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time quantitative PCR, genomic library preparation and quality control, Sanger and high-throughput sequencing data collection and associated analyses.
• Have extensive experience planning and accomplishing goals on complex genomic projects. They will demonstrate expertise with operating and maintaining specialized equipment in a genomic laboratory and have the ability to perform and improve upon genomic assay design, to optimize and troubleshoot technical problems.
• Experience in computational bioinformatics and statistical analyses for genome data. Familiarity in working in a UNIX environment, executing command line and genomics software packages (e.g. GATK, VCFtools, PLINK, R archive). Working knowledge of a computing languages is a plus (Python, R, C++). Tasks include data cleaning, quality control, error checking, visualization and reporting.
• The ability to multitask and work independently to troubleshoot problems, to collect, analyze, synthesize and present data.
• Excellent teamwork including the ability maintain close communication with the Supervisor/Director, to coordinate and organize the work, and to help the team accomplish its research/project goals.
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills. Experience with scientific report and manuscript preparation, as well as communication of project results with collaborators.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, and list of professional references. Questions may be directed to Professor Matt Farrer at m.farrer@ufl.edu; however, applications must be submitted online.

The University of Florida is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

This is a time limited position.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This requisition has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not apply.

Health Assessment Required:Yes

Advertised: 24 Feb 2022 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 13 Mar 2022 Eastern Daylight Time