Research Assistant III

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of Dr. Falsetta, the position is part-time in a laboratory studying the vulvar pain condition known as localized provoked vulvodynia.
• Includes a clinical coordinating component (~25%) that involves working with clinical faculty and staff to identify patients eligible for the study, obtain patient consent, and pick up patient tissue specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Daily utilization of laboratory skills, including but not limited to cell line and primary cell culture, aseptic technique, microbiological culture, microscopy, nucleic acid isolation (RNA and DNA), standard and quantitative PCR, siRNA knockdown, protein overexpression, flow cytometry, genetic/cloning techniques, protein quantification, Western blot analysis, ELISAs, EIAs, Luminex, primary cell isolation and purification (from human and mouse tissues), the handling of mice, and procedures on mice (subcutaneous injection, anesthesia, treatment applications, pain testing, post-mortem tissue collection, gavage, etc.).
• Requires a high level of independence with only occasional suggestions in modifying, varying, or adapting laboratory procedures to meet the special needs of the research.
• Able to troubleshoot and adapt protocols and techniques as needed.
• Identify and address problems before or when they arise and be able to triage them.
• Process, interpret, and organize data into a brief written report with presentations to be made at lab meetings on a regular basis.
• Assist with the preparation of charts, graphs, and tables for publications, presentations, and grant applications.
• Regularly scheduled progress meetings will be held with Dr. Falsetta.
• Perform literature searches and read primary research articles and reviews as needed.
• Maintain laboratory organization, chemical inventories, and protocols.
• Reporting: regularly meeting with Dr. Falsetta to discuss the current state of the project. Attending and actively participating in laboratory meetings to present analyzed data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, with an emphasis on microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, and/or molecular and cellular biology.
• Experience in the techniques outlined above and other technical or research experience is highly valuable.
• Great attention to detail, proficiency with Excel and Word, and knowledge of routine laboratory calculations.