Staff Associate I

The Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, is seeking a full-time Staff Associate I to work in the research group led by Assistant Professor Sachel Mok, Ph.D.

The Mok lab is focused on identifying the genetic basis of emerging multidrug resistance in P. falciparum malaria in Africa (see Mok et al. Sci Adv, 2023). Other interests include elucidating molecular markers that regulate transmission and understanding the mechanisms of drug-induced parasite quiescence using systems biology approaches. Dr. Mok is highly supportive and has personally mentored and trained more than 10 research technicians, undergraduate and graduate students who have developed careers in various fields.

The ideal candidate for this position would be a highly motivated, early career researcher with prior laboratory experience and a strong interest in further acquiring a broad range of research skills and developing scientific thinking and acumen. The candidate should have a keen interest in scientific research and possess an inquisitive mind. The candidate will have the opportunity to work on multiple projects with potential for co-authorships in publications.

The successful candidate will carry out assigned duties in the conduct of specific experiments, collecting and analysis of data for the project that aims to identify the genetic determinants of resistance to artemisinin and other first-line antimalarial drugs. The candidate will work closely with Dr. Mok and the Post-Doctoral Research Scientist to fulfill the goals of the team's projects. Depending on the candidate's performance and experience, he/she may be able to lead their own project. The candidate should have a strong conviction in producing quality results with scientific integrity and rigor.

Responsibilities

This position entails conducting research involving malaria parasite culture, creating parasite stocks, performing drug susceptibility testing, genotyping by fragment analyses, conducting molecular biology experiments (nucleic acid extraction, real-time PCR, preparing whole-genome sequencing libraries), and analyzing data using statistical software. The candidate will assist with maintaining the daily operations of the laboratory, such as ordering laboratory supplies, managing inventory, preparing shipping and maintaining equipment, as needed.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences with at least 4-years (Staff Associate I) full-time research experience working in a laboratory.
• Experience in parasite or cell culture.
• Prior coursework or training in microbiology and/or molecular biology.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Highly organized.

Preferred qualifications:

• Career interest in research.
• Keen to work for a minimum of 2 years.
• Prior coursework or training in biostatistical analysis will be highly valued.
• Familiarity with basic molecular laboratory techniques as listed above. Training will be provided otherwise.
• Experience using GraphPad Prism.