"Temporary Research Assistant, Part Time"

Position Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a part time Temporary Research Assistant for the department of Neurology at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the research assistant will work in a laboratory dedicated to studying the role of autophagy in normal cognition and how disruptions in this pathway contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. A major focus of the laboratory is understanding the connection between synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The primary duties of the research assistant will include managing the lab's colony of genetically modified animals, including mouse husbandry and genotyping, as well as maintaining laboratory equipment and stock solutions. Necessary skills will be developed in the course of this position.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Maintain colonies of genetically modified mice, including mouse husbandry and genotyping.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and stock solutions.
• Perform molecular biologic experiments that include Western blotting, protein-protein interaction assays, PCR, subcellular organelle isolation, and cell biologic studies.
• Communicate with vendors of research reagents and core facility personnel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Applicants must hold a high school degree.
• Priority will be given to applicants with a strong record of scholarly achievement.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Demands: The applicant needs to be physically capable of performing the above duties, including handling small rodents following training, pipetting, measuring weights and volumes accurately, standing on feet, walking to other buildings on the campus and to the animal facility. Occasionally, certain items in the laboratory may need to be lifted, such as small equipment, boxes and bottles. H/She should be able to communicate his/her research plans and findings verbally and in writing in proper English to the team and to the scientific community in presentations and publications.