Research Assistant I NEUROLOGY kl

Job Summary

The candidate will work independently under the supervision of Vikram Khurana, MD, PhD, and a senior researcher in the Khurana lab (instructor/assistant professor). Depending on the specific project needs and candidate skill set, the role will range from molecular biology focused bench work to development and optimization of assays for viability/toxicity in iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells) derived neurons. These assays will include techniques such as flow cytometry, longitudinal imaging of neurons, plate-based live cell and calorimetric assays and western blotting. The candidate is expected to be diligent, highly organized, and collegial. The position provides assistance to the Principal Investigator and Study Team in coordinating research activities that may include conducting a variety of routine experiments with established methodologies, data collection and management, and other research activities as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Maintenance, passaging, cataloguing, and culturing of iPSC cells.
• Differentiation iPSCs to neurons and glia and aging of these cultures.
• Maintenance of Attune flow cytometry and ordering the related reagents.
• Measuring and scheduling of longitudinal imaging with Incucyte and Nikon Biostation microscope.
• Maintenance of HEK293 cells, generation of stable cell lines.
• Helping with molecular cloning; Gibson assembly, gateway cloning, mini/maxi preps.
• Analysis of data from western blot/ microscopy/ flow cytometry.
• The candidate will have excellent lab note-keeping habits, mostly digital (LabArchives) and will generate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the lab.
• The candidate will have excellent organizational skills, labeling of experiments, file management.
• The candidate will report daily to the immediate supervisor and weekly to the Principal Investigator.
• The candidate will interact with junior and senior members of the lab to troubleshoot experiments.
• The candidate will share lab duties with other technicians.
• Responsible for data collection, management, manipulation, analysis, and reporting.
• Study cohort management.
• Outreach communication with subjects, conducting mailings, follow-up on mailings, and obtaining necessary documents.
• Provides assistance on work related to epidemiological studies and other population-based research.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree Science required. Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? Yes.

Experience and Qualifications

• New grad with some relevant coursework 0-1 year preferred.
• Good cell culture experience with human cells (HEK293 or any other immortalized line).
• iPSC stem cell culture experience is a plus but not required.
• Excellent cell culture practice/sterile techniques are necessary.
• Medium to high level of computer literacy and a basic understanding of statistical concepts are needed.
• Basic understanding of molecular techniques, microscopy, flow cytometry is desired.
• Understanding of basic molecular concepts: molecular cloning, western blot, RNA isolation, qPCR, western blot is desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills are required for working in a highly diverse lab.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
• Excellent data management skills and attention to detail.
• Good presentation skills are a plus.
• Computer literacy, including database tools.
• Ability to follow directions and exhibit professionalism.