Technical Research Assistant I - Hematology (Battinelli Lab)
Under the general supervision of the investigator, the Technical Research Assistant I performs complex laboratory experiments aimed at understanding the role of platelets in cancer. As experiments proceed, determine necessary adjustments in design and implement these changes after consultation with the investigator.
Specific Area of Research: Megakaryocyte/Platelet Biology - molecular and cellular biology
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Isolate megakaryocytes and platelets needed for experiments.
2. Under the general supervision of the investigator, perform complex laboratory experiments in the field of cancer biology including cell culture, ELISA, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, Western blot, angiogenesis and metastasis assays, and microscopy.
3. Perform general laboratory animal work under the supervision of the investigator including: sterile technique, colony maintenance, bone marrow and blood isolation, tumor cell injection, tumor growth measurement, and tissue preparation.
4. Consult with the investigator as experiments proceed, and with approval, implement necessary adjustments in experimental design.
5. Record, review, and analyze test results. Assesses the quality of data and repeats tests as necessary to determine the reproducibility of results.
6. Assemble data in a useful format for presentation to the investigator, including normalizing and graphing results; present data during divisional seminars.
7. Perform literature searches and helps to prepare presentations and written articles for publication; prepare literature for journal club presentations
8. Perform cell culture and maintain laboratory cell stocks.
9. Prepare solutions, reagents, and buffers.
10. Maintain and periodically update lab databases.
11. Performs routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.
12. Order laboratory supplies as necessary within budgetary limits.
13. Ensure compliance with institutional and federal guidelines in health, safety, and animal work requirements.
Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree in biological/physical science
2. Experience in a directly related research setting preferred.
Skills and Abilities Required:
1. Ability to work well with others in an open laboratory environment.
2. Ability to exercise sound judgment with respect to laboratory safety.
3. Ability to learn and perform a variety of laboratory procedures including: cell culture, sterile technique, ELISA, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, tissue histopathology, flow cytometry, Western blot, and microscopy.
4. Ability to learn and perform basic handling of laboratory mice.
5. Knowledge of guidelines for ethical research practice and conduct.
6. Ability to assess the quality of data and troubleshoot technical challenges.
7. Ability to perform experiments and represent data in a detailed, thorough, and precise manner.
8. Resourcefulness and initiative.
9. Visual acuity and manual dexterity.
11. High degree of computer literacy.
12. Good oral and written communication skills.