"Temporary Research Assistant"

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 Dr. Chiara Manzini (PI) and a senior graduate student in the laboratory, the Temp Research Assistant (TRA) will be responsible for the performance and analysis of experiments focused on investigating how sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) establish sex-specific behavioral and signaling deficits following loss of the CC2D1A gene that is mutated in human Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. The project is part of a larger effort in the lab to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying sex bias in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders. The TRA is expected to have expertise in conducting and analyzing scientific experiments involving rodent models and in basic molecular biology approaches. They should have a broad (college-level) knowledge of biochemistry, cell biology, and neurobiology. The TRA will be responsible for assisting in maintenance and genotyping of the mouse colony, behavioral testing, molecular analysis of intracellular signaling pathways, and hormonal interventions following adult gonadectomy. They may also assist with ordering reagents and collaborating with the PI in monitoring how resources are used in the lab. As part of their career development to transition to the next phase of their career, the TRA will be trained in improving their experimental design skills and their oral and written presentation skills. Multiple resources for career development to aid with these requirements will be provided by the PI.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Assist in performing and analyzing experiments to define how gonadal hormones affect intracellular signaling in the brain of male and female mice and how these differences affect behavior.
• Assist with animal husbandry and genotyping on mouse colony to generate the experimental animals needed, monitor animal health and follows all animal protocol rules and regulations.
• Assist with consumable and supply ordering in the laboratory and monitor reagents availability and usage.
• Compile and analyze data with appropriate statistical analysis, conclusions and future directions in support of further CHI research.
• Adheres 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.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Currently enrolled in a B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, or Neuroscience.

City: New Brunswick

State: NJ

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to perform laboratory research.
• Must be able to work with rodents.
• Some lifting may be required: laboratory items and/or boxes (up to 25 lbs).
• Walking, standing, 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.

Salary: $25 per hour