"Temporary Research Assistant"

Position Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Temporary Research Assistant for the Child Health Institute of NJ at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Under the direction of Principal Investigator, the Temporary Research Assistant (TRA) will be responsible for the performance, analysis, and interpretation of experiments focused on studying gene expression in human cancer cells and human retroviral infections.

The TRA will perform experiments studying the growth of human cancer cells and the effects of different modifiers of gene expression on their biology and behavior. Applicants should have a broad (college-level) knowledge of genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry and be willing to learn sophisticated molecular biology laboratory techniques.

The TRA will also assist in the preparation of summaries of Child Health Institute of New Jersey research for publication/posting on social media sites, as part of CHINJ marketing approaches. As part of their professional development to transition to the next phase of their career, the TRA will be trained in improving their oral and written presentation skills and in the ability to summarize scientific results for lay audiences.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Propagate, harvest RNA and proteins isolated from human cancer cell lines.
• Perform molecular and cell biology experiments to study gene expression and growth characteristics of cancer cells treated with various modifiers of gene expression.
• Compile and analyze data with appropriate statistical analysis, conclusions and future directions in support of further CHI research.
• Adhere to established performance standards and coordination of instrumentation and experimental approaches in support of CHI research.
• Keep clear and detailed records of procedures and experiments in accordance with laboratory guidelines, maintain data in shared and readily accessible locations, present data to the PI and other lab members.
• Work collaboratively and independently with laboratories and researchers within CHI and Rutgers.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Must have a Bachelor's degree and/or post-baccalaureate course work including chemistry and biology, preferably including biochemistry.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Demands

• Must be able to work in a laboratory environment.
• Must be able to perform laboratory research.
• Some lifting may be required: laboratory items and/or boxes.
• Walking, standing, and sitting is required.

Work Environment

• Must pass employee health clearance, TB test and required safety and animal training.
• Must follow all safety precautions in laboratory, as required.
• Research laboratory and office setting, moderate noise levels.