Research Assistant - ancient biomolecules laboratory
The Research Assistant will 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.
The Ancient Biomolecules Research Assistant will have 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 procedures
- Optimization of laboratory protocols, specifically for degraded DNA and proteins
- Training 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
Requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field
- Experience in DNA extraction and purification from degraded samples
- 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 protocols
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a clean-room laboratory facility
- 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)
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in biology or related field
- Experience with protein extraction and purification
- Familiarity with next-generation sequencing sample preparation
- Prior lab management experience