Research Assistant

Location: Washington

Job Description

The Hourigan Lab focuses on bringing precision medicine approaches to the care of patients suffering from the rare, highly fatal, blood cancer Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Based at the Virginia Tech Cancer Research Center in Washington DC, and a member of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, the laboratory performs translational research developing high sensitivity genomic tools for the characterization of measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients with AML to predict and prevent relapse.

This work includes multiple governmental and private sector partnerships and leadership of the national prospective clinical protocol ('MEASURE") to validate and implement AML MRD testing nationwide.

The lab is looking for a full time Research Assistant to assist with current and ongoing research projects. This is a great opportunity to get a hands-on learning experience in a professional research laboratory. Typically, a Research Assistant supports a scientist in the performance of various recruitment, technical, and data collection activities for research or laboratory programs. These roles will serve as part of the research team working collaboratively and independently to collect and organize data for grant-funded research projects.

Laboratory and research support responsibilities range from entry- to advanced-level.

The duties of the roles will include, though may not be limited to the following:

• Advanced biospecimen processing, including handling of diverse clinical sample types (e.g., whole blood, bone marrow aspirates, plasma, and cell pellets) in accordance with standardized operating procedures (SOPs)

• Genomic DNA extraction utilizing validated protocols tailored to sample type, ensuring high yield and integrity for downstream molecular applications

• Nucleic acid quantification and quality assessment using fluorescence-based and spectrophotometric methods, including Qubit (dye-based fluorometric quantitation), Pico Green assays (high-sensitivity dsDNA detection), and Nano Drop (UV absorbance-based purity analysis)

• Comprehensive documentation of all processed biospecimens, including completion of experimental manifests and systematic recording of results in shared data repositories to ensure traceability and data integrity

• Sample accessioning, tracking, and inventory management, including systematic organization of biospecimens in cryogenic storage systems (freezer boxes, racks) with meticulous documentation

• Biorepository management, including receipt, labeling, cataloging, and long-term storage of clinical samples under controlled conditions

• Foundational cell culture techniques, including aseptic handling, maintenance of mammalian cell lines, passaging, and monitoring of cell viability and confluency

• Routine laboratory equipment maintenance and decontamination, including scheduled cleaning (e.g., weekly washdowns), calibration checks, and adherence to laboratory safety and operational standards

• Maintenance and tracking of office and laboratory supply inventories to ensure consistent availability of essential materials

• Active participation in research team meetings to report on study progress, improve data collection processes, contribute to problem-solving efforts, and address protocol-related issues arising during research activities

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated organizational skills and/or experience with data management.

• Desire to succeed in a fast-paced research environment with numerous duties.

• Demonstrated attention to detail, organizational skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or training in genetics, biology, life-sciences, or related field, and/or the equivalent level of training and experience.

• Demonstrated data collection and entry experience.

• Experience in one or more of the following research areas: genetics, biology, life-sciences, computational, or related fields

• Experience with basic laboratory protocols including…