This position will investigate skeletal muscle development and disease using the zebrafish model. Research is focused on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying altered neuromuscular development in a dystroglycanopathy model, and how NAD+ improves neuromuscular development in zebrafish models of dystroglycanopathies. Typical hiring range for this full-time, soft-money funded positions is $32,000 – $33,948 commensurate with experience and qualifications. 

Complete Job Description

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here.

Employees in the University of Maine System are required to comply with UMS COVID protocols which currently include, but are not limited to, being vaccinated, obtaining a qualified vaccination exemption, and/or participating in regular COVID testing. Further information can be found here.

Required:

• Typically has the education associated with a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Optical Microscopy, or Molecular Biology or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1 year of laboratory experience or more (can be during undergraduate education if extensive research experience was acquired, e.g. a thesis project).
• Required skills to include:
  • Confocal microscopy.
  • Light-Sheet microscopy.
  • Adept in CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genetic engineering.
  • Familiar with Gateway system to generate constructs.
  • Able to inject zebrafish embryos.
  • Molecular biology skills include HRM analysis, sequencing analysis.
  • Familiarity with Fiji and Aivia for image analysis.
  • Must be highly motivated and organized, prudent in time management and capable of juggling multiple tasks and competing priorities.
  • Quick to learn new skills on the job and work independently.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and problem solving/analytical skills and the ability to interact professionally with all levels of students and staff. Must be a team player.
  • Critical thinking skills and attention to detail.
  • Oversees purchasing, inventories and maintenance of laboratory equipment, supplies, reagents and stock solutions. Communicates with vendors regarding service contracts, maintenance and repairs.

Preferred:

• Prior experience with zebrafish, molecular biology, confocal microscopy, image analysis, CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genetic engineering.

Materials must be submitted via "Apply For Position" below. You will need to create a profile and application; upload:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
3.) contact information for three professional references

You will also need to submit the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status forms. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

Search Timeline is as follows:
Review of applications to begin: June 30, 2022
Screening interviews to begin no earlier than: July 5, 2022
On-site interviews to begin no earlier than: July 10, 2022
Tentative start date: August 1, 2022

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Clarissa Henry at Clarissa.Henry@maine.edu or 207-581-2816.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and a post offer physical.

The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Amie Parker, Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).