Sr. Research Associate I or II

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONOur group recently developed a technology (Hi-C) for reconstructing the three dimensional architecture of the human genome inside the cell nucleus. This technology relies on proximity ligation followed by high-throughput sequencing. We are now working to extend this technology to probe proximity ligations between DNA, RNA, & other cellular components. We are looking for a highly motivated individual to design & perform challenging experiments & develop & refine these new protocols in collaboration with other groups, such as the Molecular Biology Research Development group at the Broad Institute & other groups from MIT & Harvard. Various molecular biology techniques will be employed, including but not limited to Hi-C (& proximity ligation more generally), hybrid capture, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation, quantitative PCR, biotin pulldowns, RNA immunoprecipitation, DNA sequencing, & other experiments as needed. Training in established techniques will be provided as needed, but much of the work will be highly inventive in character, & entail significant protocol development. brbrCharacteristic duties-Works with team leader to develop new protocols exploring the potential of proximity ligation coupled with high-throughput sequencing. -In consultation with team leader, implements experiments to address specific questions defined by group projects. -Makes detailed observations, analyzes experimental data, & interprets results. Documents & compiles data. -Generates oral & written reports on performed experiments. -Collaborates with team leader to analyze results, to address complex technical & methodological problems. Works with team leader to refine experimental protocols & thereby ensure project completion in a timely fashion. -Prepares, orders, & maintains stocks of necessary reagents, solutions & supplies. -Attends team meetings & presents the results. May participate in scientific conferences & contribute to scientific journals. Performs sequence analyses & database searches. Designs PCR primers, synthetic oligonucleotide adapters & cloning cassettes to amplify single copy sequences as well as complex libraries. -May contribute to patentable inventions.br- will work with team leader to disclose new inventions. -Consults with literature & scientific staff to maintain high level of professional expertise. -Other tasks as required by the position.