Research Assistant

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, coordinate major activities in medical and related technical areas. The Research Assistant 4 will complete multiple experiments focused on understanding how genetic variation and environmental exposure (gut-brain-axis) predispose to neurodegenerative disorders including Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Ensure strict adherence to all safety guidelines while dealing with hazardous substances, animal subject- and human subject-derived materials in the lab and will have the physical stamina and endurance to perform all associated tasks.

This position will work with animals.

• Provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Coordinate and carry out complex research assignments. Perform the most complex quantitative analytical procedures. Perform tissue culture, common molecular biology techniques and in vivo studies using mice. Coordinate and perform
  1) isolation and processing of cells derived from mouse nervous tissue and immune tissues for histology, immunofluorescence, imaging and flow cytometry,
  2) ex vivo culture of bone marrow derived macrophages and T cells for stimulations and quantitative analysis of protein, RNA, cellular composition and morphology and
  3) Isolation of human blood and cerebrospinal fluid cells and biofluids for banking and molecular biology analysis. Evaluate adequacy of techniques and study and test new procedures. (45%)
• Coordinate major activities of laboratory/ research. Collect and record data in laboratory computers for statistical analyses. Contribute to the generation of data figures for grant submissions and publication of manuscripts, as well as present data at group meetings. (15%)
• Work closely with the principal investigator in helping to generate annual reports for granting agencies. Design and manage individual experiments, reporting these in a consistent fashion and in a timely manner, managing issues of the scientific method including positive and negative controls, reproducibility, sample size estimates, and refining techniques into standard operating procedures in the laboratory (10%)
• Devise and utilize new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. These include developing and optimizing techniques to disrupt or enhance gene function in myeloid cells including mouse bone marrow derived macrophages and human iPS cell derived microglia using CRISPR/Cas9 or related anti-sense oligonucleotide technologies and visualizing changes in protein abundance and localization using real time imaging and analysis.
  
  (6%)
• Participate in manuscript and grant writing, co-author research projects and provide data to the principle investigator for sponsor progress reports, manuscripts, grant and pilot applications (6%)
• Perform general laboratory support tasks. Order and stock communal reagents and supplies, organize lab spaces and receive deliveries. Install, maintain, and repair complex equipment (6%)
• May supervise research assistants and technicians or students proper tissue culture sterile technique and proper use of all lab equipment. Teach or instruct others in research techniques. Assist in developing procedures, coordinate information with others as needed. (6%)

• Perform rodent animal husbandry including management of mouse cohorts through health monitoring, breeding, tagging, and genotyping. (3%)
• Perform other duties as assigned, (3%)

Department:
Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow

University:
Occasional contact with other departments to share information and help enable collaborations. Interaction with regulatory components (IACUC, IBC, IRB)

External:
Occasional contact with collaborators to help facilitate acquisition of human clinical samples

Students:
Occasional contact with student employees to explain policies and procedures and ensure proper adherence to all legal, health and safety standards

May…