"Principal Laboratory Assistant"

Position Summary: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Principal Laboratory Assistant for the Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science. The Principal Laboratory Assistant will perform a broad range of experiments related to evaluating cellular responses generated by glucocorticoids and cAMP-elevating agents, encompassing cell and molecular biology, tissue culture and animal work techniques. Primary responsibilities will include culturing different lung cell types (both primary cells and cell lines), performing human and murine Precision Cut Lung Slice (PCLS) experiments, performing immunological assays (immunofluorescent staining, ELISA, western blots, immunoprecipitations, and flow cytometry/FACS), and molecular biology techniques (PCR & real time-PCR techniques, DNA and mRNA sample preparation, plasmid DNA preparation, DNA subcloning, and siRNA/shRNA transfections). Additional responsibilities will include maintaining equipment, keeping accurate records and notes, ordering lab supplies; working knowledge of MS Office to keep inventories of experimental reagents and equipment, data analysis, general lab duties, and assisting preparing publication and grant submissions.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Cell Culture work: media preparation, quality control testing, and daily maintenance of human airway muscle cell lines and human fibroblast cell lines.
• Performing immunological assays (immunofluorescent staining, ELISA, western blots, immunoprecipitations, and flow cytometry/FACS).
• Performing molecular biology techniques (PCR & real time-PCR techniques, DNA and mRNA sample preparation, plasmid DNA preparation, DNA subcloning and siRNA/shRNA transfections).
• Assist in the management of corporate and academic collaborations/projects. Responsibilities include assisting experiment design, performance, analysis and interpretation, presentation of experiment results by teleconference to our collaborators and preparation of interim and final reports.
• Responsible for scheduling, management, and coordination of equipment upgrades, repairs, recertifications, and preventive maintenance visits.

Minimum Education and Experience: Associate's degree plus one (1) year of prior laboratory experience is required, a Bachelor's degree is preferred for this position in one of the following fields: biology, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or another related field.

City: New Brunswick

State: NJ

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Occasional lifting 25-50 lbs., intermittently sitting/standing/stooping, typically sitting at a desk or table. Must be able to work at a computer for an extended period and must be able to operate specialized laboratory/scientific equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Biosafety Level 2 and 2+ laboratory environment working with human and animal fluids and tissue. Requires laboratory safety training. Caustic and toxic chemicals. Handle controlled substances such as pharmaceutical, radiological, or hazardous materials.

Special Conditions: Position is contingent upon grant funding.