POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate I provides operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate I will perform research experiments as defined by the PI.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project
• Utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used
• Interpret data, form conclusions and decide on next steps under the direction of the PI or designee
• Maintain accurate records, may modify protocols with the approval of the PI or designee
• Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects
• Record results according to established lab, sponsor & university protocol
• Assist with performing data analysis and/or mathematical computations
• Maintain a detailed lab notebook according to lab practice
• Present findings at lab/group meetings
• Monitor laboratory supply levels and order as noted
• Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc.
• Assist with and comply with all safety regulation and infection control standards
• Train on IACUC, IRB, EHS, Radiation safety protocols
• Comply with all applicable state, federal university, and sponsor policies and agreements
• Provide support with identifying problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions
• Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
• Perform other duties as required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science, or equivalent experience
• Basic understanding of lab safety and protocols
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Ability to analyze data in a quantitative and objective manner.
• Ability to work in a team environment

The Li lab is recruiting a Research Associate to perform nucleic acid chemistry to support research projects related to mRNA therapeutics and the Sponsor Research Agreement with Rhodes Therapeutics. The research projects will involve solid-phase nucleic acid synthesis, organic synthesis, LC-MS analysis, NMR, reverse-phase chromatography, and other purification techniques. A bachelor's degree in chemistry is required.

Li lab works on developing platform technologies for mRNA therapeutics. We utilize a wide
range of technologies including biochemistry, chemical biology, directed evolution, and
high-throughput sequencing.