Research Assistant - 140190

About the role

This position provides support in various aspects of research projects, including molecular biology, animal studies, and cellular immunology.

Responsibilities

• Assist with experiments and make observations related to research projects.
• Use molecular biological techniques to develop plasmid and viral based gene transfer vectors.
• Assist with animal studies, including breeding transgenic mice, injections, and maintaining a transgenic mouse colony.
• Perform in vivo fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging, necropsy, tissue trimming, and histology.
• Prepare tissue cultures of primary lymphocytes and propagate tumor cell lines.
• Extract RNA, reverse transcribe cDNA, perform RT-PCR, mini preps of plasmids, and analyze by gel.
• Conduct basic cellular immunology tests such as FACS and CFSE proliferative assays, and automatic cells counting.
• Prepare media and buffers as needed.
• Maintain lab records and order supplies as necessary.

Requirements

• Theoretical knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, and genetics, acquired through a Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field; and/or equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.
• Experience with tissue culture, including freezing, thawing, counting cells, and splitting cultures.
• Experience with data analysis using Excel and Prism software.
• Experience with aseptic and tissue culture techniques.
• Ability to work with human tissues, including tissue trimming, histology analysis, and necropsy.
• Ability to work with cell culture, media preparation, and DNA electrophoresis.
• Willingness to follow step-wise experimental protocols.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, and electrophoresis equipment.
• Willingness to handle chemical and biohazard materials safely.
• Willingness to maintain confidentiality and adhere to safety and environmental guidelines.
• Ability to use computer software to analyze data and store results.
• Ability to perform basic PCR and ELISA techniques.
• Ability to work with a variety of chemicals and biological materials while adhering to safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Theoretical knowledge of normal and malignant hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology, and theoretical knowledge of microbiology, cellular, molecular, and prostate cancer biology.
• Familiarity with current prostate cancer disease models and understanding of clinical features of prostate cancer and treatments.

Special Conditions

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.