"Research Lab Specialist Senior-Intermediate-Associate"

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes a lethal syndrome (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) characterized by CD4+ T cell depletion and resultant immunodeficiency. HIV has caused a worldwide epidemic that has killed millions of people and continues to infect about 40,000 people each year in this country. The long-term goal of our research program is to provide improved treatments for people with HIV/AIDS. Existing therapies are highly effective at rendering viral particles non-infectious and thus reducing viral loads. However, none of the current drugs are capable of destroying infected cells. Many infected cells have short half-lives and die within days or months. Others, however, remain in a state that is resistant to the immune system and can persist for years. To provide better therapies, our focus has been on understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral persistence within cellular reservoirs. The development of drugs that will inhibit these pathways will bring us closer to a cure.

More information on Dr. Collins lab can be found here.

• Perform research either independently or with minimal supervision, providing data for manuscripts and grants
• Analyze complex data using statistical approaches to identify significant differences
• Analyze and present journal articles at lab meeting
• Edit, write and/or review manuscripts, grants, and budgets
• Depending on stage and productivity there will be opportunities to participate in assembling manuscripts and attending national meetings
• Assist graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with specialized lab procedures such as cloning, cell purification and flow cytometry
• Purchase lab supplies/stocking and organizing lab
• Negotiate discounts with vendors
• Maintain lab equipment
• Assist with regulatory and safety compliance

• Bachelor's degree in science required, advanced degree beneficial.
• Senior Level: 5-6 years of experience required, 2-5 years experience with cell culture is needed.
• Intermediate Level: 4-5 years of experience required, 2-5 years experience with cell culture is needed.
• Associate Level: Bachelor's degree in science (microbiology or related field preferred) and 1-3 years experience required.
• Strong fundamental understanding of biology and chemistry required.
• Working knowledge of laboratory best practices is essential.
• Experience with viral vectors including retroviral vectors, nucleic acid extraction and PCR is beneficial.
• A strong interest in and commitment to advancing our understanding of viral disease pathogenesis is essential.
• Experience with expressing HIV proteins in lentiviral and defective HIV based vectors, purifying primary T cells from human peripheral blood, and with confocal microscopy, western blotting and cloning.
• A strong interest in and commitment to advancing our understanding of viral disease pathogenesis is essential.

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.