Research Assistant | Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease

Organization Overview

Our work focuses on several different aspects of molecular virology, biochemical and structural virology, viral pathogenesis, and vaccine development. The laboratory studies animal RNA viruses, including hepatitis C virus (HCV), yellow fever virus (prototype flavivirus), bovine viral diarrhea virus (a pestivirus), and Sindbis virus (a togavirus).

Overview

Millions of people worldwide are affected by hepatitis B and C viruses, leading to liver cancer and liver failure. Meanwhile, other RNA viruses like Zika, yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and SARS-CoV-2 contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. The Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease is dedicated to unraveling virus replication mechanisms, studying innate immune responses that limit infection, and advancing in vitro culture techniques and animal models to support these research efforts.

We are in search of a Research Assistant to join a research team focusing on the development of in vitro systems and animal models for the studies of hepatitis B virus host-virus interactions.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Perform routine molecular biology experiments, including PCR, cloning, and RNA/DNA extractions
• Perform biochemical and functional assays: cell culture, transfection, CRISPR-Cas9 editing, SDS-PAGE, western blot, ELISA, and luciferase assays
• Assists in establishing and maintaining transgenic mouse colonies
• Actively communicating results, sharing ideas, and discussing research methodologies

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor?s degree in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• A commitment of at least two years
• Must be highly detail-oriented and focused, inherently motivated, and able to work as part of a team in a mentored atmosphere

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques, such as cloning, DNA preparation, PCR, working with viruses, and animal work, is preferred upon starting the position