Research Assistant - Guyer Lab, Pediatric Surgery

About the role

The Research Assistant (RA) supports Dr. Richard Guyer’s laboratory by performing basic research activities with fish and/or rodent models of tissue development and tumor biology, as well as cell culture systems. Dr. Guyer’s lab is interdisciplinary (i.e., cancer research, cell development, and transcriptional regulation) and studies how aberrant development leads to pediatric solid tumors, particularly neuroblastoma.

Responsibilities

• Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator for the research project.
• Manage animal colony including breeding, back-crossing, weaning, animal identification, and genotyping.
• Genotyping will include sample collection, DNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and gel interpretation.
• Other tasks may include plasmid purification, Western blotting, DNA/RNA isolation, immunohistochemistry, etc.
• Animal management may require early morning and/or weekend duties as needed.
• Read and understand protocols.
• Set up and operate research materials or equipment.
• Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.
• Collect, record, and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator.
• Track progress of research activities.
• Adhere to Quality Assurance protocols to maintain validity and integrity of research data.
• Troubleshoot, analyze and propose modifications to protocols; perform complex techniques per protocol; test and evaluate current procedures; develop and implement procedures for monitoring data integrity; present results at group meetings.
• Perform data entry, data analysis, and graphical data display.
• Prepare materials for reports, bibliographies, and/or abstracts for publications.
• Present results/findings at group and departmental meetings.
• Assist with ACURF or similar protocol submissions.
• Assist in documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.
• Assist with procurement