Position Title: Associate Scientist

Grade: 31E

Department:  Biological Sciences

College/Admin Office:  College of Arts and Sciences       

Location: Newark

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

With limited guidance, the Associate Scientist will conduct research focused on early embryonic development, such as neural crest development and ciliogenesis, by using Xenopus as a model system and cutting-edge molecular, biochemical, cellular, embryological, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and omics approaches. In this role, the Associate Scientist will independently design, perform, and interpret experiments, train new students and staff in specialized techniques, and coordinate collaborations with other researchers within and outside of UD. The Associate Scientist will be able to independently determine technical methods and approaches required to advance a research project and will provide high-level intellectual contributions in experimental design, analysis, and interpretation. The candidate will also communicate the research findings in oral presentations at scientific conferences, prepare manuscripts for publication, and assist in the preparation of grant proposals. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and perform experiments to understand the functions and mechanisms of genes and signaling pathways in embryonic development, such as neural crest development, craniofacial morphogenesis, and ciliogenesis.
• Obtain Xenopus tropicalis and Xenopus laevis embryos through natural mating and in vitro fertilization, manipulate embryos by microinjecting guide RNA with Cas9, morpholinos, in vitro transcribed mRNA, or chemical compounds, and dissect tissues from the embryos.
• Maintain cultured human cells and perform CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knockout, siRNA-mediated knockdown, transient and lentivirus-mediated gene expression, and other manipulations such as drug treatment.
• Use modern biochemical, molecular and cellular techniques such as western blotting, immunoprecipitation, RT-qPCR, HCR in situ hybridization, confocal imaging, proteomics, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics to detect alterations from gene and protein to cell and tissue levels.
• Develop new tools and techniques, including new transgenic lines and new methods to control targeted gene knockout, to study embryonic development.
• Quantitatively analyze and manage experimental datasets, including imaging-based measurements, molecular assays, and omics outputs; apply appropriate statistics, interpret results, troubleshoot root causes, and define next-step experimental plans with clear milestones.
• Train and mentor undergraduate/graduate trainees and technical staff in Xenopus handling and microinjection, tissue processing, molecular assays (e.g., immunoblotting, RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization), confocal microscopy workflows, and best practices for data analysis, documentation, and reproducibility.
• Coordinate and drive collaborative research activities within UD and with external partners/core facilities by aligning goals, establishing timelines, organizing sample/data exchange, and integrating feedback to deliver project milestones and shared deliverables.
• Generate publication-quality data visualizations and figures, including microscopy images, quantitative plots, and summary schematics; ensure appropriate controls, statistical reporting, figure formatting, and compliance with journal standards for figures, tables, and supplementary data.
• Prepare and deliver scientific presentations (lab meetings, departmental seminars, and regional/national conferences) that clearly communicate project rationale, methods, results, and interpretation; respond to technical questions and incorporate feedback to refine ongoing studies.
• Draft, revise, and coordinate manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, including writing Methods/Results/Discussion sections, assembling figures and supplementary materials, addressing co-author input, and responding to reviewer comments in a timely and professional manner.
• Contribute to and support grant applications (internal and external) by generating preliminary data, writing technical sections (project rationale, approach, methods, and analysis plans), preparing budgets/justifications as needed, and ensuring required documentation and compliance items are complete.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree required; Ph.D. preferred, in Biological/Life Sciences or a related discipline, with at least five years of progressively responsible research experience in biology/chemistry/biophysics or related fields, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Peer-reviewed publications demonstrating expertise in mechanistic cell and/or developmental biology, including quantitative imaging and molecular/biochemical approaches, in areas such as cell biology, developmental biology, and/or biochemistry. Experience contributing to manuscripts, figure preparation, supplementary materials, and revision responses is preferred.
• In-depth, up-to-date knowledge of cell and developmental biology, and familiarity with advanced laboratory techniques in molecular biology, cell culture, embryology, and microscopy. Ability to connect experimental findings to biological mechanisms and relevant literature.
• Demonstrate experience working with Xenopus tropicalis and Xenopus laevis, including core embryology skills such as embryo handling and staging, microinjection, in vitro fertilization, phenotyping, and experimental perturbations (e.g., mRNA/morpholino/CRISPR-based approaches).
• Hands-on experience with a range of methods such as: Molecular biology (e.g., cloning/basic DNA/RNA workflows, RT-qPCR or equivalent); Protein/biochemistry assays (e.g., western blotting and immunodetection methods); Cell-based assays (cell culture maintenance, transfection/transduction as applicable); Imaging workflows (sample preparation, immunostaining, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and image quantification)
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and present complex datasets with rigor, including appropriate statistics and controls. Proficiency with common analysis/figure tools (e.g., FIJI/ImageJ, Prism, and/or related software) and commitment to reproducible documentation and data integrity.
• Strong oral presentation skills for internal and conference presentations, and strong scientific writing skills for manuscript preparation, including clear description of methods, results, and interpretation for publication.
• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot experimental problems, optimize protocols, and manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality output.
• Effective leadership, communication, and organizational skills; strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach to address scientific questions.
• Experience training/mentoring students and/or staff and contributing to team-based research is preferred.
• Ability to follow established methodologies and optimize or develop protocols when needed; maintain accurate laboratory records (electronic or paper), organize reagents/materials, and support standardization of workflows.
• Ability to adhere to and help enforce safety procedures and institutional policies, including appropriate training, chemical hygiene, biosafety practices, and responsible conduct of research.
• Motivation to learn new techniques, flexibility, strong work ethic, and ability to interact productively with a group of research personnel in a fast-paced research environment.
• Experience in preparing grant proposals preferred.