Research Associate - Varma Lab

Job Title
Research Associate - Varma Lab

Department
Biology Department

Worker Type
Temporary (Fixed Term)

Pay Type
Salary

Benefit Eligible
Yes

Job Description Summary

The Varma Lab in the Department of Biology at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, seeks a Research Associate to join a new research program investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying rare neurodevelopmental disorders.

Job Description

Job Description:

Our laboratory uses patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate brain organoids that recapitulate key aspects of human brain development. We combine these models with molecular

and cellular approaches coupled with single-cell transcriptomic profiling and bioinformatic analysis to understand how disease associated genetic variants perturb developmental gene regulatory programs, alter the specification and maturation of distinct neural cell populations, and ultimately affect neuronal function. The successful candidate will contribute to projects investigating the mechanisms of rare neurodevelopmental disorders and will have the opportunity to play an important role in establishing and developing the Varma Lab. The position is well suited for someone interested in human stem cell models, neurodevelopment, and disease mechanisms who would like to contribute both experimentally and intellectually to a growing research program.

Position Duties:

- Research (70%): Responsibilities will include human iPSC culture and differentiation, neuronal cultures, brain organoids, molecular and cellular biology, imaging, and related approaches. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, data collection and analysis, interpretation of results, and preparation of research findings for presentation and publication.
- Laboratory and Project Management (20%): Assist with establishing and maintaining the Varma Lab.
- Scientific Communication and Collaboration (5%): Participate in laboratory meetings and collaborative research activities and contribute to the presentation of research findings at scientific conferences and preparation of manuscripts for publication.
- Mentorship (5%): Assist with training and mentoring undergraduate and graduateresearchers in the laboratory, including laboratory techniques, experimental design, dataanalysis, and scientific communication.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required: M.S. in biology, neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, or a related discipline and have at least 3-5 years of research experience in iPSC culture.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications:

Consideration will be given to candidates with experience in:

- Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture
- Neural differentiation, neuronal culture, and/or brain organoid culture
- Molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, Western blotting, and related approaches
- Immunocytochemistry and microscopy
- Training or mentoring undergraduate researchers

Prior experience with human iPSC culture is strongly preferred.

Additional Position Information (if applicable)

Required Application Documents
Applicants should submit the following materials:

A cover letter describing their research experience, relevant technical expertise, and interest in the position, and a curriculum vitae.

Special Instructions (if applicable)
Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Parul Varma at [email protected]. Screening of applications will begin (2) weeks from the date of posting and will continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information

A criminal background check is required. All campuses are smoke- and tobacco-free campuses.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Remote Work
For positions that are approved for remote work: Remote work is not a right, it is a work arrangement that can be modified or revoked by Miami University at any time for any reason, including the convenience of the University.

Reasonable Accommodations
Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [email protected] or 513-529-3560. Questions and follow-ups regarding requests should also be directed here.

Miami University Values Statement
Miami University is a scholarly community whose members believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character as well as of intellect. We respect the dignity of other persons, the rights and property of others, and the right of others to hold and express disparate beliefs. We believe in honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct. We defend the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and combine that freedom with the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility.

For more information on Miami University’s mission and core values, please visit the Mission and Core Values webpage.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [email protected] or 513-529-3560.

Clery Act
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Labor Law Posters for Applicants

Please visit our Labor Law Posters webpage to access all relevant and applicable labor law information.