| POSITION SUMMARY Research Assistant II position will focus on animal husbandry, behavioral analysis, tissue processing and preparation of primary cell cultures. A successful candidate will work independently in support of several ongoing projects in the lab. The candidate will be responsible for maintaining animal colonies, feeding the therapeutic diets, regularly monitoring health parameters and performing behavioral studies with the animals. In addition, the candidate will be involved in the sampling and analysis of tissues from the animals as well as the preparation of primary cultures from animals. The candidate will be trained in specific techniques and methods in order to execute experiments that are broadly designed by PIs and must be able to carry out and analyze experimental results independently. The overall goal of the research is to test the efficacy of potential drug candidates in various cell and animal models of aging and Alzheimer's disease. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (25%) Animal Husbandry - Independently maintain colonies of animals for several different studies.
- Maintain supplies of special diets and make sure that they are allocated appropriately to the animals.
- Treat animals with various compounds via either injection or gavage.
- Monitor health parameters (eg weight, food consumption, metabolism)
- Harvest animal tissues for further analysis.
(25%) Behavioral Analysis - Organize behavioral studies.
- Set up and perform various analyses of animal behavior in the Behavioral Core.
- Prepare data from experiments for analysis.
(15%) Primary Cell Cultures - Prepare primary cells from animal brains for various cell culture studies.
- Use cells in various assays as discussed with PIs.
- Prepare data for analysis.
(20%) Tissue Analysis - Prepare tissues for protein analysis.
- Prepare tissues for RNA analysis.
(15%) Lab Support - Attend staff meetings and assist with general problem solving.
- Assist in Hazardous, Biohazardous and waste disposal.
- Assist with maintaining laboratory safety records.
EXPERIENCE Required: - Minimum 2 years’ experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge of animal husbandry and behavioral studies.
- Fundamental skills in cell culture.
- Proficient in the operation of standard lab equipment and computer hardware/software.
Preferred: - Experience preparing RNA and protein extracts from tissues for analysis.
- Analysis of protein expression by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
EDUCATION Required: - Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES Required: - Theoretical and hands on knowledge of animal husbandry and behavioral techniques.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in researching information and analyzing data to arrive at valid conclusions.
- Ability to manage and track large numbers of animals meticulously without mixup.
- Skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with both PC and MAC operating systems, standard business office equipment and commonly used software and tools, such as Microsoft Office, electronic mail, and the internet.
- Proficiency with common office software applications as well as software applications used for research, recording, and analysis.
- Highly organized, effective at multitasking, adept at juggling changing priorities and able to prioritize.
- Proven ability to work both independently and also as part of a collaborative team.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility.
- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse groups. Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with personnel at all levels.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT - Must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment.
- Must be willing to work with animal and human cells and complete all appropriate associated training.
- Must be willing to work independently and must have a flexible schedule to support research needs.
- Successful completion of the Institute’s background investigation.
- Must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS This position requires constant adjusting focus, seeing, and sitting, as well as exposure to animals and working inside. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) |
