Research Assistant

Job Summary

The Research Assistant supports the Principal Investigator (PI) by performing moderately complex research and experimentation following established protocols. This position performs routine lab and equipment maintenance, sets-up and operates various scientific apparatus, and assists with research projects and independent research. The Sengupta lab uses the zebrafish model system to study the function and development of neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Assists with research projects; performs independent research; plans, designs and implements research projects
• Prepares and maintains culture media, reagents, and experimental animals; grows cultures; administers injections; performs various assays
• Sterilizes equipment; separates and purifies materials using chromatography and electrophoresis
• Orders laboratory supplies; performs library research; prepares compounds; interprets experimental test data
• Ensures feedings of adult and baby fish; maintains and harvests saltwater rotifers and stocks young zebrafish larvae
• Performs embryo injections and confocal imaging
• Depending on expertise, performs molecular biology / electrophysiology related experiments and analyzes data
• Sets-up and operates spectrophotometer, fraction collectors, centrifuges, incubators, homogenizers, and various microscopes
• Performs clerical duties including typing, answering phones, preparing correspondence, and maintaining bibliographies
• Compiles, processes and analyzes data; records research procedures and results; files and maintains records
• Working some weekends and holidays is required for animal care

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Broad knowledge involving laboratory techniques or other specialized knowledge is desired
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal/human relation skills
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to tend to details
• Ability to maintain records and inventories
• Ability to operate a personal computer

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science or a closely related field is required; Biology, Neuroscience or similar field preferred
• Able to work independently and showcase problem-solving skills
• Possess strong organizational, communication and time management skills
• Ability to work as a member of team
• Ability to work some weekends and holidays for animal care is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with molecular biology techniques (cloning, RNA isolation, PCR, RT-PCR) and/or electrophysiology (whole cell patch clamping, calcium imaging)
• Prior experience with programming in R/MATLAB/Python or similar