Research Assistant - Rheumatology

Position Summary

We are building an immune receptor sequencing pipeline for autoimmune research and are looking for a hands‑on researcher to run the assay at the bench. You will turn patient T and B cell samples into sequencing‑ready paired libraries using a non‑contact liquid handler, following established protocols. Success means clean RNA, reliable dispensing at tiny volumes, accurate plate tracking, and data that passes QC the first time.

You will run the established library prep, handle routine troubleshooting when a run looks off, submit libraries for sequencing, and keep clean records so wet‑lab output links cleanly to the analysis team. It is an ideal role for someone early in their career who wants to develop deep, reliable bench skills at the center of a growing immunology effort.

Scheduled

Hours:

40 hours/week

• Conduct research experiments and assays.
• Process incoming samples, from cryopreserved PBMCs or sorted T cells to sequencing‑ready paired TCR/BCR libraries, following established protocols.
• Run library prep on the liquid handler and operate the instrument for multi‑well library prep, performing routine troubleshooting and escalating to senior staff when results suggest a protocol or method change is needed.
• Run library QC and support sequencing submission. Perform primary QC on libraries and help prepare and submit samples to the sequencing core.
• Maintain accurate records: keep plate maps, sample sheets, and metadata up to date so wet‑lab output links cleanly to downstream analysis. Enter sample information accurately into provided templates and tracking sheets.
• Maintain reagent inventory, flag low supplies, and assist with instrument maintenance and calibration schedules.
• Evaluate research results, report findings, and discuss project outcomes with staff involved.
• Perform data entry and maintain data files on research.
• Coordinate tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
• Comply with established safety procedures and maintain required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Coordinate research projects with other institutions and investigators.
• Participate in developing hypotheses to be tested and ways of testing them.
• Assist with general supply/equipment orders, lab maintenance and cleaning.
• Perform literature research on specified topics.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Work in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and provide standard care to research animals.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or a combination of education and/or experience may substitute for the minimum education.

Certifications / Professional Licenses:
No specific certification or professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Laboratory Operations (2 years)

Skills:

Not applicable

Driver’s License: A driver’s license is not required for this position.

• Core bench skills:
  Comfortable with standard molecular biology techniques such as RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and PCR. Understands basic good‑practice in RNA work, including avoiding degradation and contamination.
• Careful, methodical work:
  Track plate maps, barcodes, and sample IDs without errors. Follow written protocols closely and keep accurate records. Maintain a clear electronic lab notebook, recording reagent lots and instrument settings so a run can be reproduced later.
• Prior NGS or library prep experience:
  Exposure to Illumina library prep, Qubit, and Bioanalyzer or Tape Station is a plus; you will be trained on the specific workflow.
• Liquid handler exposure:
  Any experience with automated or non‑contact dispensers (such as the Dispendix I.DOT) is welcome. Prior experience is not required; we will train you on the instrument.
• T/B cell handling:
  Experience with PBMC processing, sorting, or magnetic enrichment.
• Patient‑derived samples:
  Familiarity with clinical samples and the chain‑of‑custody and consent requirements associated with them.

Grade: R07‑H

Salary Range: $17.10 – $29.09 per hour

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation,…