Summary

This Research Assistant I (RAI) position in a growing lab will entail diverse responsibilities including overseeing maintenance of laboratory equipment and the laboratory environment, as well as assisting with the planning and execution of research experiments. The RA will have extensive direct interactions with the Principal Investigator and have ample opportunity for learning and growth. Example responsibilities may include ordering laboratory supplies, interacting with other labs, assisting with IACUC protocols, managing mouse colonies, and conducting experiments; the focus of these responsibilities may change over time with growth of the laboratory.

Job Duties

• Assists with finding and ordering the capital equipment that is best suited for conducting the proposed research. 
• Maintains inventory and places orders for ongoing laboratory needs such as disposables for tissue culture and other experiments. 
• Assists in writing, submitting, and revising IACUC protocols with supervision from the PI. 
• Performs animal colony maintenance and husbandry, including genotyping or postoperative care when needed. 
• Conducts literature searches and summaries to aid in planning of laboratory experiments. 
• Will interact with core facilities for processing of tissue or other experimental samples. 
• Will be trained to conduct laboratory experiments with the appropriate degree of graded responsibility under the supervision of the PI. 
• Experiments in the laboratory may include but are not limited to production and isolation of extracellular vesicles, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, tissue imaging, and mouse surgeries.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or a related field.
• Two years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in basic science or a related field.
• Preferred laboratory skills: animal colony handling and maintenance, generic laboratory skills (pipetting, sterile technique, safely using centrifuges and other commonly used equipment), ability to critically read the scientific literature, tissue culture skills
• Candidate should have generic laboratory skills and be comfortable handling and working with mice. Otherwise, candidate does not need specific skills but should be enthusiastic about learning and mastering new laboratory techniques. Will collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data into graphs and presentation format.