Research Assistant​/Technician 4

The Research Assistant Tech 4 in the Gupta laboratory will focus on ocular and neuro degenerative diseases, working on projects that may include metagenomics, tissue and cell cultures and human derived materials. Techniques used will range from in vitro and in vivo testing to assays such as ELISA, immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blots. The lab’s research explores diverse approaches to understanding and treating eye diseases, leveraging advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical methods to investigate ocular pathology and potential therapies.

The Research Assistant should be self-motivated and should be able to perform tasks with supervision. The individual should be able to work as a collaborative team member to achieve experimental goals.

Organizational Status

The Research Assistant/Technician 4 will report directly to Dr. Neeru Gupta.

Work Performed

Plans and performs experiments, utilizing complex procedures or techniques; troubleshoots problems; analyses and interprets experiment results; presents research results at laboratory meetings.

· Performs cell culture experiments.

· Performs molecular techniques such as PCR and real-time PCR, western blotting, immunoblotting, ELISA, cloning, isolation and characterization of DNA and RNA, gel electrophoresis, genotyping, etc.

· Maintains animals for in vivo experiments; and performs injections and animal surgery.

· Visualizes and analyzes cells using regular microscopy and confocal microscopy.

· Assists with purchasing supplies and minor equipment, inventory of lab supplies and maintaining lab equipment for research projects.

· Ensures established laboratory safety rules and procedures are followed.

· Carries out any other necessary experiments and related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Tasks are assigned by the Principal Investigator. Research Assistant (RA) is responsible for organizing, and scheduling of the tasks. RA is responsible for all tasks to be completed on time and making sure all research procedures and data collection activities are running smoothly. Consequences of errors made may include compromised integrity of research and success of research project

Supervision Received

Works under general supervision from Dr. Gupta. While instruction is given on assignment of duties, work is expected to be conducted independently, with new or unusual problems reported to the principal investigators.

Supervision Given

This position may oversee the work of undergraduate student volunteers, work-learn students and lower classifications technicians.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience