Duties Description
POSITION DESCRITION:
The New York State Institute for Basic Research (IBR), the research arm of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a Research Scientist 1/Laboratory Technologist position in the Neurochemistry Department. This is a full-time position for 40 hours per week.
NYS OPWDD IBR provides a professional setting in a world-renowned research facility located on Staten Island, NY, on a wooded, suburban campus with free off-street parking. Attendance at and participation in professional meetings and conferences is encouraged and financially supported, and publication fees in professional journals are supported through the agency budget. Telecommuting work plan is negotiable. The compensation package includes New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) insurance, a generous sick leave and vacation package, vesting in the NYS pension fund, and a deferred compensation plan. NYS benefits include tuition reimbursement and dental and optical coverage.
This researcher position gives an opportunity to work closely with the Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome research team in the Neurochemistry Department to study molecular mechanisms underlying and therapeutic strategies targeting neurodegeneration in Down syndrome as well as Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, especially the role of protein tau in disease pathogenesis.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES not limited to:
The position involves independent biochemical and histopathological experimentations on Alzheimer’s disease-related proteins, using biological samples/specimens from humans, animals and cell cultures.
- Conducting tissue homogenization, protein assay, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, immuno-dot blotting, and ELISA to quantitatively/semi-quantitatively analyze proteins of interest
- Dissecting frozen autopsied human brain tissue to harvest brain regions of interest for biochemical studies
- Performing ultracentrifugation and fractionation to isolate various tau species including hyperphosphorylated oligomeric tau for tau seeding/propagation studies in cells and in animal models
- Using negative staining electron microscopy and immuno-EM to characterize aggregated tau and amyloid tau assemblies
- Performing immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical staining of various tau species and other proteins of interest in cultured cells and tissue sections
- Providing technical assistance to other scientists of the team in running their projects which aim to assess the effect of preclinical therapeutic strategies targeting Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders and to investigate molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s pathogenesis
Additionally, the position involves management of laboratory essentials to ensure successful day-to-day running of projects for all laboratories of the research team in the Neurochemistry Department.
- Managing laboratory supplies and consumables
- Maintaining chemicals/reagents inventory
- Preparing and submitting purchase requisitions to ensure laboratory consumables, common reagents and other necessary supplies are ready for use
- Maintaining biological samples inventory
- Preparing, maintaining and replenishing common solutions
- Maintaining and periodically refilling cryo-storage tanks with liquid nitrogen to ensure proper storage conditions
The incumbent is expected to:
- Contribute to the institute’s activities and collaborate with other scientists within and outside of the institute
- Assist supervising research scientists in higher-level positions by participating in all phases of the research process including problem definition, planning, execution, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of findings
- Maintain a safe and clean environment in the laboratory
- Dispose of used chemicals and waste materials appropriately
- Store chemicals according to the manufacturer’s specifications
- Adhere to the research team’s quality control policies, and document all quality control activities, instruments and procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATION:
- At least one year of research experience in a similar field, specifically molecular mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome
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Minimum Qualifications
Non-Competitive:
Bachelor’s degree and two years of professional research experience** in an appropriate field.
Additional Comments
- Please note that starting salary for this title reflects the Downstate adjustment. Posted Hiring Salary includes the sum of the statutory hiring rate for PS&T Grade 18 ($66,951) and Downstate adjustment ($4,000). Downstate adjustment is added to the job rate ($85,138).
- The assignment of PS&T employees will be made in accordance with any agreed upon Memorandum of Understanding between PEF and the loca