Research Assistant 1 MS

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Overview

This is a Research Assistant with coordination responsibilities in the Giraldez Laboratory, a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research group within the Department of Genetics. The laboratory studies genome activation, gene regulation, and RNA biology using zebrafish as a vertebrate model system. The candidate will be responsible for managing the laboratory’s day-to-day activities and space by providing technical and operational support for research activities, and maintaining laboratory organization and safety standards. Responsibilities will include execution of established experimental protocols, daily zebrafish husbandry and facility maintenance, preparation of reagents and solutions, and assistance with ongoing molecular biology experiments under the direction of senior laboratory personnel. Other responsibilities include lab equipment maintenance and repair, ordering and stocking lab supplies, updating and maintaining lab protocols and equipment service contracts, and communicating with outside companies to request research materials, animals and lab supplies and equipment.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to independently maintain aquatic animal systems: feeding, water quality monitoring, lifting and maintaining 10-liter tanks on shelving units
2. Basic molecular biology experience: cloning, PCR, electrophoresis
3. Excellent organizational skills, reliability, detail-oriented, independent and responsible.
4. Ability to work well as part of a team. Enjoys working with people.
5. Ability to follow detailed experimental protocols, maintain accurate laboratory records, and perform basic laboratory tasks (solution preparation, inventory management, equipment upkeep, etc

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Prior experience working with zebrafish or other aquatic research organisms.
2. Experience with advanced or specialized techniques such as zebrafish microinjection, transgenesis, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, or related techniques.
3. Familiarity with vertebrate developmental biology or genetics research.
4. Experience working in a regulated laboratory or animal research environment.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Researches and collects data through complex laboratory/ scientific experiments, techniques, and procedures; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for designated research assignments. 2. Records and compiles information related to research data. Codes data accordingly to research specifications. Uses a computer terminal to input and retrieve data and to generate reports. Processes and summarizes data using scientific or statistical techniques. 3. Assists in data interpretation and analyses. Reports on status of research activities. Sets up, operates and maintains laboratory equipment and apparatus. 4. Formulates and prepares scientific solutions and media. Recruits study participants. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. 5. May assist in designing, developing, and modifying research experiments, procedures, or survey instruments. May oversee and instruct research staff. 6. Performs additional functions incidental to research activities.

Required Education and Experience

Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.