"Principal Laboratory Assistant"

Position Summary

Are you passionate about biomedical research or translational research and ready to launch your scientific career? Join Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, as a Principal Laboratory Assistant in the Institute for Translational Medicine and Science (RITMS).

This is a hands-on research opportunity designed for individuals eager to build foundational laboratory skills, working alongside leading scientists in a collaborative and supportive environment. You'll contribute to studies exploring how cells respond to hormones and signaling molecules that impact respiratory health—while gaining exposure to cutting-edge laboratory techniques and technologies.

We offer comprehensive on-the-job training, opportunities for professional development, and mentorship from experienced researchers to help you advance toward graduate school, medical school, or a long-term research career.

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, performing general lab activities and functions, 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.

This position offers a pathway to growth within Rutgers' thriving research community. Many previous assistants have advanced into senior research positions, graduate programs, and medical school.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include the Following:

• Cell Culture & Sample Preparation: Learn and perform cell culture techniques, including media preparation, quality control testing, and maintenance of human airway smooth muscle and fibroblast cell lines.
• Laboratory Techniques & Assays: Conduct immunological and molecular assays such as ELISA, western blotting, PCR, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence under the guidance of senior staff.
• Research Support: Contribute to experiments using human airway smooth muscle, epithelial, and fibroblast cell lines, and human and murine Precision Cut Lung Slice (PCLS) models and assist with data analysis and interpretation of these experiments.
• Collaboration & Communication: Assist in the management of corporate and academic collaborations/projects. Responsibilities include assisting in experiment design, performance, analysis and interpretation, presentation of experiment results by teleconference to our collaborators and preparation of interim and final reports.
• Laboratory Management: Responsible for maintaining all certifications, lab protocols, freezer inventories, experimental write-up records, experimental logs, & electronic back-up of all experimental data including raw data. Assist with equipment maintenance, inventory tracking, and general lab organization.
• Mentorship & Training: Responsible for supervision and training of high school and college students participating in the Institute's summer program, Arresty program, and Drexel co-op program and will be responsible for training new laboratory personnel/students in research procedures, laboratory safety, and use of equipment/instruments.
• Continuous Learning: Stay current with relevant scientific literature and participate in professional development opportunities within RITMS and the University.
• Compliance & Safety: Understands and adheres to Rutgers compliance standards as they appear in the RBHS Corporate Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Performs general laboratory activities and other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree plus at least one (1) year of prior laboratory experience is required.

Equipment Utilized:

EQUIPMENT USED: Tissue culture hoods and incubators, centrifuges, electrophoresis apparatus for proteins and nucleic acids, electroporator, Nanodrop, electroporator, gentleMACS Octo Dissociator, flow cytometry, multimode plate reader, thermal cyclers, nanodrop, light, confocal, and fluorescent microscopes, histopathology processor, embedding center, microtome, cryostat, vibratome, ELISA plate washer, ELISA plate reader, ddPCR, qPCR, environmental exposure chambers, and other equipment as needed.

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.

Salary:

Max budgeted salary $45,000