Job Description: The Research Assistant 1 under limited supervision will perform laboratory or other technical procedures in complex scientific testing or research experiments at a high level of technical proficiency, to develop new procedural routines and methods for research or clinical use, to serve as a technical specialist, and to supervise daily research operations. The Research Assistant 1 will perform molecular techniques, some tissue culture and any new techniques as they become available for projects involving HIV and other viruses as needed. Will be responsible for performing and developing viral molecular assays related to research projects such as genotypic assays, genotypic drug resistance testing or real-time PCR assays. Will be responsible for learning and performing all manufacturer or "in-house" nucleic acid assays used for any research project conducted. Will learn and perform all procedures required for the study of viral genomic material. These include but are not limited to work with RNA as well as DNA, PCR amplification techniques, cloning, sequencing, primer design, Northern and Southern analysis, and mutation analysis in particular related to viral drug resistance and pathogenesis. Will learn or be responsible for performance of bioinformatic analysis of sequence data. Will be responsible for ordering and maintaining reagents and equipment within the research facilities.
Additional Responsibilities:
Must be independently capable of setting up and skillfully using all complex instrumentation that will be used in the laboratory to make finite measurements or complicated chemical and/or biological determinations. Will be required to troubleshoot problems with instrumentation and contact and interact with manufacturers' technical services when necessary.
Will assist the VQA Laboratory technical staff members as needed especially in projects that require participation by the entire laboratory staff. Will be required to participate in laboratory meetings.
Will be called upon to research relevant literature about new or known technical procedures or research protocols. The information obtained will be used to develop and institute new procedures for research projects. Will also be called upon to research relevant literature for publication of research results. May be called upon to present research results in a formal seminar format. Will be called upon to train guest scientist or students as needed.
Qualifications:
Masters with a minimum of 2 years experience in a relevant field preferred; a minimum of a BS with 3-4 years appropriate experience may be considered.
Good laboratory technique including sterile technique required. Experience with nucleic acid technology and cell culture required. Experience in nucleic acid technology includes PCR, probe, and hybridization methods, and sequencing. Experience with PC based bioinformatics analysis programs and Mac usage helpful. Good oral presentation and communication skills required. Coursework in Microbiology and/or Virology preferred.
