Easter Seals Jobs

POSITION OBJECTIVE 

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research to support and conduct research in immunology. The lab investigates immunity to transplantation and in host defense as well as novel immunotherapies. The research assistant will utilize both in vitro and in vivo disease models, working with mice and human samples. The research assistant will be required to manage databases and are preferred to have working knowledge in mouse research, immunology, and molecular biology techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and Fluorescence-Activated Cell sorting (FACS). The research assistant will operate under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and the lab manager. This position will work with animals. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involves the use of lab skills. Using cellular and molecular biology techniques, such as microbial cultures, mammalian cell cultures, plasmid preparations, DNA analysis, DNA transfections in mammalian cells, PCR and Real-time PCR, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, ELISA, flow cytometry, and quantification and presentation of test results. Additionally, record results for specific experiments, such as DNA transfections, PCR, and ELISA assays, ensuring accurate documentation and analysis to support ongoing research efforts and validate experimental outcomes. (35%) 
2. Responsible for maintaining the mouse colony and for assisting with animal experiments. Screen animals using PCR and DNA sequencing and conduct analysis of samples. Keep accurate and up to date records regarding identity of animals used in research experiments. (30%) 
3. This position will maintain, organize, and perform minor husbandry of animal colonies. This includes but is not limited to providing care for animals, inspecting animals regularly, maintaining ID/records of all animals, and keeping datasheets up-to-date and circulated appropriately. (10%) 

4. Maintain records of experiments. Maintain clear and organized notebooks documenting procedures and results. (10%)

    

NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

1. Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments, including surgical instruments, anesthesia machines, surgical suite, microscopes, -800C and -200C freezers, and PCR. (5%)
2. Order laboratory supplies under the supervision of the lab manager. Oversee chemical and biological reagent inventories, and prepare commonly used lab solutions (5%)
3. Perform routine checks on instruments to ensure instruments are in working order and communicate with the supervisor and laboratory staff effectively. (4%)

4. Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

    

CONTACTS 

Department: Frequent contact with lab members to carry out research and collaborate

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information

External: Limited to no contact with vendors to exchange information

Students: Moderate contact with student employees to exchange information. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICAITONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor¿s degree in biology, chemistry, or related field and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate¿s degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience

REQUIRED SKILLS

Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of immunology.

Skills in Data Analysis & Statistics.

Skills in research with animals, in particular mice but open to using other animal models.

Skills in molecular biology and biochemical techniques, including PCR genotyping, mammal cell cu