The Assistant Scientist conducts research involving the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engages in clinical investigation or other research, production, technical writing, and related activities. He/She will be involved in the ongoing studies of planar polarity in the neural plate, as proposed in the NIGMS R35 grant and in the pending NICHD grant.
Responsibilities
- Identification of novel proteins involved in this process by mass spectrometry, and their validation in functional assays by RNA microinjections.
- He/She will generate various sensors to assess mechanical forces in vivo and use the available knockdown technology to inactivate genes that are involved in cell polarity establishment. These experiments require considerable skills and the advanced knowledge of cell and molecular biology.
- He/She will spend about 85 % of his/her time performing, documenting and analyzing experiments and preparing the results for presentations and publications.
- About 10-15 % of his/her effort will be devoted to common laboratory duties ensuring proper workflow within the lab.
- Follows strict safety procedures when handling materials to avoid contamination.
- Explores subject area and defines scope and selection of problems for investigation through conceptually related studies.
- Develops hypotheses to be tested and methodology for evaluating results.
- Examines the results of clinical trials and adjusts the dosage levels to reduce negative side effects or to induce better results.
- Communicates research results to the scientific community via published papers.
- Develops new proposals for research and obtain support for new and/ or continuing research activities.
- Makes decisions and recommendations that have a major impact on extensive scientific research activities.
Qualifications
- PhD in Biological Sciences or related field
- Two years experience
