Research Assistant (Immunobiology)

Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated and organized candidate to join our team as a Research Assistant on a NIH-funded study to investigate the role of cardiac autoimmunity in cardiovascular disease complications in type 1 diabetes.

Specifically, this individual will be responsible for receiving and organizing biosamples from a National Biorepository, database entry, performing high-throughput immunological assays using specialized equipment, and assisting in the analyses and interpretation of large datasets using computational approaches.

Must be self-motivated, have an ability to learn new techniques, and have an excellent track record in college.

The ideal candidate is one with some experience beyond college/intern experiences (and if experience warrants, can be brought in at the Senior Research Assistant level), but the lab is open to a new college graduate with some experience in the role's responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

Assist with the specimens received from biorepository against shipping manifest: Validate and organize biosamples received from a national biorepository

Control quality of contents and condition of received samples

Place specimens in appropriate storage conditions and log all specimens into appropriate secure database

Perform standardized and more complex assays following established laboratory procedures; may be responsible for the development, modification, or improvement of standard operating procedures

Recognize equipment and testing problems, troubleshoot and document independently and/or with assistance of other lab members to ensure the resolution is documented, implemented and communicated in a timely manner

Maintain detailed electronic notebooks of all work-related activities

Keep up with appropriate literature and research publications

Assist with maintaining a colony of humanized transgenic mice, including PCR genotyping; Maintain accurate, detailed, and up-to-date records of the mouse colony

Assist in performing immunoassays on mice

Maintain laboratory equipment and inventory. Assist in the placement of orders for reagents and supplies as needed; log delivery of supplies, and store supplies upon delivery

Assist with the maintenance of freezer databases

Ensure safe laboratory practices and compliance with institutional research guidelines

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

B.S. in Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics, Biomedical or related fields

1 year of hands-on laboratory experience (undergrad internships or experience) - observational laboratory work undertaken as part of undergraduate program is insufficient

Strong analytical, critical thinking, and organizational skills and motivated by science

Highly detail-oriented; demonstrable skill in performing accurate assays on small sample volumes and conducting studies on large datasets

Ability to prioritize responsibilities through completion

Strong interpersonal and customer service skills: to interact with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts

Ability to work independently and collaboratively with group members

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Willingness to assist with animal husbandry