Research Assistant I - Flow Cytometry Core

This position will be in support of the US Military HIV Research Program. The position will be in the Flow Cytometry Core. The Flow Cytometry Core supports the HIV vaccine effort and basic immunologic research conducted at MHRP. This core contains state-of-the-art equipment, infrastructure and qualified expertise in flow cytometry. The Flow Core supports critical endpoint and research-based cellular assays to assess immunogenicity for basic research, pre-clinical and clinical trials as well as immune characterization of natural HIV-1 infection in cohort studies conducted within the MHRP, including international sites. The Flow core also supports Ebola, ZIKA, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and other vaccine trials and natural history cohorts. The team provides technical assistance as well as consulting through all phases of flow cytometry experimentation. The group provides flow cytometric analysis and cell sorting for researchers across MHRP, the WRAIR, and external collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for daily set up, evaluation, troubleshooting and maintenance of cytometers. Liaise with senior technical staff and manufacturer to ensure the optimal performance of all instrumentation including the coordination of preventative and corrective maintenance as required.
• Performs laboratory assays, including collection and organization of data. Makes detailed observations about experiments. Provides basic data output analysis and interpretation, as directed by supervisor.
• Maintains reagent and consumable supplies needed to conduct laboratory operations. Facilitate the necessary administrative and logistic processes to order and receive materials. Ensures general lab needs are completed following GLP standards.
• Performs data entry in accurate, timely and efficient manner. Maintains clear and accurate data collection records, inventories, and logbooks.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in a science related field required. Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Experience in and/or knowledge of flow cytometry and cell sorting is preferred, but not required for this position as training will be provided by core staff.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment

This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.