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Research Associate (NASA)

The Bionetics Corporation is seeking a Research Associate with a background in Molecular Biology to join our team to work on the GeneLab project at NASA AMES in Mountain View, California. The GeneLab Project is an omics repository enabling open science for NASA and offers the research community access to critical spaceflight data sets. GeneLab is a critical component supporting NASA’s overall objectives to discover and explore deeper space. NASA is actively conducting biological research on the ground and in microgravity aboard the International Space Station; in the process, many samples are produced that require processing for omics analysis. 

The Bionetics Corporation is a government services contractor specializing in life science and engineering with locations nationwide. We offer competitive salary and benefits package to include, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation/sick leave, 401k with company matching, etc.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Research Associate supports RNA extraction, next gen sequencing, and laboratory automation to process samples from the International Space Station for the Genelab project at NASA AMES. This position may carry out sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysis of results as part of a scientific team. Responsible for providing all the required technical support to enable the laboratory to function effectively, while adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.
 
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
 
  1.  Bachelor’s Degree of Molecular Biology, Bio-chemistry, Bio-engineering or related field.     
  2.   Minimum of 2 years’ laboratory experience in a molecular biology laboratory. 
  3. Proficiency in RNA extraction from various sample types required.
  4. Must be proficient in library preparation, particularly utilizing beads;
  5. Experience utilizing robots to automate laboratory processes;
  6. Proficiency in aseptic technique;
  7. Knowledge of computer operating systems and common applications to include Microsoft Office required.
  8. Strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently with minimal guidance while consistently exercising good judgment required.
  9. Must possess good organizational and prioritizing skills.
  10. Good interpersonal and English communication skills essential. Must possess the ability to use the English language for reading and writing/producing written English work.
  11. Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Status.
  12. Must be eligible for or have successfully completed a National Agency Check investigation for a “NASA Clearance” within the last ten (10) years.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Essential/Typical Duties:

·      Reproducibly follow established procedures as well as troubleshoot experiments as necessary.
·      Performs molecular biology work in pre-PCR and post-PCR lab environment while adhering to safety guidelines.
·      Work with lab automation robotics; liquid handlers, automated RNA/DNA extractors;
·      Perform RNA extraction from critical, irreplaceable tissues, bacterial and mammalian cell samples;
·      Perform library preparation and QC for Next Gen Sequencing;
·      Develop, validate and apply new protocols and workflows to increase robustness, time efficiency and cost effectiveness of the lab.
·      Performs assays, cell culturing, PCR and other molecular biology techniques on an as needed basis.
·      Accurately and consistently record experiment details, materials, results and conclusions using lab notebook and currently established methods;
·      Present findings and convey comprehensive project status reviews using technical reports and presentations. 
·      Establish good sample tracking (LIMS) system and manage metadata information relevant to the samples/extracts/libraries
·      Support lab maintenance tasks:
-      Responsible for calibration and preventative maintenance of assigned equipment
-      Keep inventory and place purchase orders for common lab consumables
-      Train outside users on shared resource equipment

Non-Essential Duties:
  • Other related assignments and duties, as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Often-seeing, hearing, fingering, grasping, feeling, standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, speaking
 
Lifting/Moving Requirements:
·      Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
  • Normally works in an environmentally controlled area. 
Qualified applicants should submit their resume to: staffing@bionetics.com