Job Description

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Shao Lab (https://shaolab.bio.udel.edu/) in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware is seeking a Limited Term Researcher. Under the general direction of the Principal Investigator, the Limited Term Researcher will participate in research to identify mechanisms underlying reward related behaviors. A wide range of experiments involving behavioral, imaging, molecular, genetic, and biochemical approaches in fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster will be carried out. The Limited Term Researcher will maintain a notebook describing experimental methods and results, participate in research discussions, and interpret research results. This NIH funded position offers the opportunity for motivated candidates to gain technical and leadership skills in a growing lab at UD.

MAJOR RESONSIBILITES

• Maintains fruit fly stocks through transferring fly stocks to new food vials periodically to keep them alive and writes/updates laboratory protocols.
• Maintains an inventory of lab supplies and equipment, reorders lab supplies, and tracks new orders of equipment and supplies.
• Operate basic laboratory equipment (centrifuges, sonicator, pH meters, analytical balances, and gel documentation systems).
• Use advanced scientific approaches to examine the molecular and neural mechanisms of reward-driven behaviors of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. 
• Willingness to learn new techniques, take initiative and pivot when research priorities change
• Provide technical assistance to others in the lab as needed.
• Maintains laboratory databases
• Complies with Department of Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA, and biohazard safety standards and promotes workplace safety.
• Participates in laboratory meetings and presents scientific projects at departmental and national meetings.

Qualifications:

• The preferred candidate will have a BS or MS in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related field with at least 1 year of bench experience.
• Candidates are expected to have knowledge of standard molecular and cell biology principles and research methods, as well knowledge of basic laboratory equipment operation.
• Candidates with experience in Drosophila experimentation and confocal/two-photon imaging and/or two-photon microscopy, quantitative image analysis, fruit fly genetics, anatomy, and behavioral experiments are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates must initiate and ensure compliance with applicable safety procedures; and possess attention to detail.
• Ability to grasp, retain, and disseminate an extensive and varied body of information; the ability to exercise sound judgment and employ decision-making skills.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.
• Additionally, the preferred candidate should have excellent organizational skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; knowledge and skill working with scientific software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop, Graph pad Prism); demonstrate the ability to work independently and contribute to a team environment; help to create and maintain a positive and supportive laboratory environment; be enthusiastic about learning new techniques.

ENVIRONMENTAL/OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES:

• Work environment may include working in a cold room for short periods of time.
• Frequently required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift 20 pounds with or without assistance
• Requires dexterity in handling delicate and hazardous materials.
• The ability to measure laboratory materials.
• On occasion be able to work various or long hours due to experiment timing.

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