This position is for a Research Assistant to handle day-to-day responsibilities and aid in management of a new NSF-funded ancient biomolecules laboratory at the American Museum of Natural History. The Research Assistant should have experience with degraded/ancient DNA and downstream sequencing applications, with similar experience with paleo-proteins preferred. This is a one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years. The first year will be dedicated to setting up the laboratory and equipment, generating standard operating procedures, validating protocols, and aiding first time lab users. The Research Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining the laboratory, updating protocols, and contributing to teaching materials. Additional years will require a portion of the Research Assistant’s time be spent assisting with genomics projects conducted by principal investigators in the Museum’s Institute for Comparative Genomics, besides assisting with operation of the ancient biomolecules lab.
Responsibilities:
The Ancient Biomolecules Research Assistant has the following responsibilities and duties:
- Aid in set up and maintenance of the ancient biomolecules laboratory, including but not limited to maintenance of equipment, stocking of laboratory supplies and reagents, and maintaining a clean-room environment
- Development of laboratory standard operating proceduresOptimization of laboratory protocols, specifically for degraded DNA and proteinsTraining and assisting users in ancient DNA and paleoproteomic laboratory procedures
- Other duties relevant to lab management such as troubleshooting protocols, lab calendar management, and coordination with researchers/staff
The Ancient Biomolecules Research Assistant should have the following skills, education, and experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field; Master’s degree preferred
- Experience in DNA extraction and purification from degraded samples; additional experience with protein extraction and purification preferred
- Experience with protocols for degraded DNA, such as previous work with historic/ancient biological specimens, forensic genetics, and/or paleogenomics
- Experience handling and sampling from historic/ancient biological specimens
- Experience working in a clean-room and adhering to clean-room protocolsStrong organizational skills and ability to manage a clean-room laboratory facility
- Familiarity with next-generation sequencing sample preparation preferred
- Prior lab management experience is preferred
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Experience with Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google productivity apps (e.g. Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Calendar, Forms)
Please apply here:https://careers.amnh.org/postings/2659
