Research Assistant II

Job description

The Research Assistant II performs a primary research role in the laboratory and conducts original research for both internally and externally funded projects of interest to the laboratory. Assists with preparation of manuscripts and reports for the laboratory, oversees the day-to-day management of the project and coordinates sample and data collection. Supports the laboratory administratively by ordering and organizing lab stocks and supplies, maintaining safety records and assisting with the preparation of reports for regulatory groups (e.g. IRB, radiation safety), as they relate to the research project. Develops and maintains computerized record systems for the research project, which may require development of web-based forms and limited computer programming.
Essential Functions:
• Manage routine mouse colony and animal husbandry activities, including breeding, weaning, animal identification, colony census, cage-card and database maintenance, and coordination of genotyping.
• Monitor animals and colony records closely; communicate health, breeding, or welfare concerns promptly to the Principal Investigator and appropriate animal care or veterinary personnel.
• Perform or assist with approved animal procedures, sample collection, tissue processing, and experimental preparation after required training and competency verification.
• Support laboratory scientists across a range of experiments. Activities may include preparation of reagents, buffers, and media; cell or tissue culture; molecular biology assays; histology and immunostaining; microscopy; flow cytometry; and basic biochemical assays, depending on project needs and training.
• Take day-to-day ownership of assigned experiments under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, including reviewing the experimental plan, carrying out protocols, identifying technical problems, discussing troubleshooting steps, and completing follow-up experiments as directed.
• Maintain complete, timely, and organized laboratory records, including protocols, electronic or paper laboratory notebooks, animal and specimen identifiers, raw data, analysis files, and experimental outcomes.
• Compile, analyze, graph, and summarize experimental data using appropriate software; review results with the Principal Investigator and present work at laboratory meetings as requested.
• Maintain shared laboratory supplies and work areas, monitor inventory, prepare routine stock solutions, and assist with ordering and receiving supplies.
• Operate routine laboratory equipment safely; perform basic cleaning, maintenance, and quality-control checks; and report equipment problems promptly.
• Follow all institutional, IACUC, biosafety, chemical safety, occupational health, and laboratory-specific policies. Complete required training and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, trainees, students, and research partners; contribute to a reliable and collegial laboratory environment; and assist with orientation of new personnel to routine procedures after competency is established.
• Participate in scheduled weekend or holiday animal-care and experimental coverage when required by colony or study needs.

Requirements:
Bachelor's degree required with substantial hands-on laboratory or animal research experience preferred.
At least one year of relevant laboratory research experience. Qualifying experience may include paid employment, sustained undergraduate research, or a research internship
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