Postdoctoral Associate – Kocher Lab

Primary Work Address: Dept of Molecular Biology, Princeton, NJ, 08544

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About the role:

We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher with a background in molecular biology or genomics. We are broadly interested in how genes and environment interact to generate behavioral variation among individuals, and we produce a wide range of genomic data, from DNA and RNAseq to high-throughput functional genomic screens. Though not a requirement for this position, interested candidates will have the opportunity to develop their own, independent research project in our group.

In this position, you will: perform a variety of research and/or laboratory tasks and experiments under general supervision. Analyze data and record the results and conclusions of laboratory experiments. Interpret analytical data and prepare research reports.  You may assist in the establishment of experimental protocols. Associate appointments are tied to a research program directed by the Investigator.

About Department/Lab:

The Kocher Lab at Princeton University studies how genes and environment interact to generate behavioral variation. We often compare the genomes and the brains of social and solitary bee species to better understand how the ‘social brain’ develops and evolves. More information can be found here: www.kocherlab.com

What we provide:

• Opportunity to work in a small, diverse, and encouraging research environment.
• A flexible schedule
• Training and Certifications
• One on one mentorship

What you’ll do:

• Performs research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects.
• Makes detailed observations, analyzes data, and interprets results
• Exercises technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies.
• Prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses.
• Maintains familiarity with current scientific literature
• Contributes to project process within his/her scientific discipline.
• Investigates, creates, and develops new methods and technologies for project advancement.
• Maintains high level of professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature.
• May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals.
• Uses professional concepts in accordance with HHMI’s objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.
• May determine methods and procedures on new assignments and may provide guidance to staff in the laboratory.

In addition to the duties specifically identified by this job description, the position will include other duties if and as assigned by the direct supervisor or others with supervisory authority over this position. 

Scope 

• May supervise the activities of other staff within the laboratory
• Shares responsibility for results of a work unit or project team.  Intermediate term impact.  Individual able to manage own research project.  Due to the level of autonomy, errors are not always discovered in a timely manner.

What we need from you:

Education 

• Ph.D. degree in a scientific discipline or MD degree

Experience 

• Up to five years of experience working in a scientific laboratory.

Skills and Abilities 

• Demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles

• Exercises independent judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results

• Ability to perform highly complex experiments with high levels of reliability and accuracy within time constraints

• Operational knowledge of advanced lab equipment

• Ability to provide work and supervise directions to others

• Ability to initiate and compose communications for various purposes in an appropriate style

• Ability to work successfully within a collaborative and collegial environment and foster this ability in others.
• Ability to review goals, analyze processes necessary to achieve those goals, and develop techniques and systems required to meet those goals.  Often explores new areas and seeks opportunities to apply new knowledge to work.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employe r

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$70,000.00 (minimum) – $80,500.00 (midpoint) – $91,000.00 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate’s education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer