Research Assistant III

We are looking to hire a Research Assistant III (Laboratory Technician) within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, School of Medicine – Georgetown University.  This position is critical to the successful implementation of grant-funded studies in the woodchuck animal model, and as such, it is expected that the applicant has prior laboratory experience and is familiar with routine assays and methods, such as ELISA and quantitative PCR.

Together with the PI, he/she coordinates and manages woodchuck-specific sample processing and then performs all assays/methods independently, including the determinations of viral titers and immune responses in blood, liver and other tissues of woodchucks. The individual is responsible for the handling and processing of stat and archived samples. He/she eventually trains and supervises Undergraduate and Graduate students during internships in relevant sample processing and laboratory assays.

This position also involves shipment of samples to diagnostic or collaborating laboratories.  
** Additional duties include, but are not limited to:*
* * Processing of woodchuck samples (blood, serum, liver, other tissues)
* Quantitative viral assays (woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV)), including slot blots for viral DNA, Southern and Northern hybridization for viral DNA and RNA, and real time PCR for viral DNA and RNA
* Host immune response assays, including proliferation assays for T-cells, ELISpot assays for IFN-gamma secreting T-cells, FACS-based degranulation assays for cytotoxic T lymphocytes, real time PCR for immune markers (cytokines and leukocyte surface markers) in whole blood lysates and liver biopsies
* ELISAs for viral proteins or antibodies against these proteins
* Organization of sample records and data from the above assays in standard spread sheets  
** Work Interactions
** The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is dedicated to the study of infectious diseases caused by diverse pathogens, including basic research on and treatment of HBV in the woodchuck animal model. The individual is a team member of the PI’s group and critical for the sample processing and analysis from ongoing and future woodchuck studies. He/she reports directly to the PI.

He/she interacts with other members of the PI’s group to coordinate sample processing and analysis. He/she interacts further with Undergraduate and Graduate students concerning sample processing and analysis.  
** Requirements and Qualifications*
* * Bachelor’s degree or higher with prior laboratory experience in general for several years (2-5 years). A preference will be given to individuals with prior experience with viral and host assays for HBV or other viruses
* Prior experience in performing sample processing and analysis under supervision and/or independently
* Must be willing and able to acquire skills and experience with woodchuck sample-specific assays
* Note that some of the above assays may require university certification for direct handling and conducting assays with radioisotopes (32P).
* Incumbent must be able to follow establish standardized protocols and procedures for routine use in the laboratory, as applied to woodchuck samples (i.e., most assays are lab-generated and cannot be purchased commercially)
* Must be able to perform new protocols and procedures like the above assays including applications of new reagents, and to use appropriate methodologies to validate results
* Must be able to conduct analysis to ensure correct and precise specificity of signals against appropriate standards and other controls
* The candidate is expected to ensure that high quality results are achieved in a timely and organized manner and that…