Research Assistant III, Laboratory of Dan Hollern

SUMMARY

The Research Assistant III is responsible for select lab managerial duties in support of the Principal Investigator’s (PI) studies along with performing and contributing to research on assigned projects within the lab.  Duties include establishing and performing independent research and analysis on projects that involve the study of human and murine B cells.  Flow cytometry, single cell sequencing, special proteomics and transcriptomics (training will be available), and various cellular and molecular biology techniques will be an essential part of this research. Murine models of cancer and immunology are heavily employed in the Hollern lab. May provide task instruction, training, and guidance to lower-level personnel.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Library prep for various omics platforms.
• Plasmid assembly and protein purification, and cloning.
• Handling of tumor specimens in human and murine models.
• Perform various techniques in molecular biology such as: RNA extraction and analysis.
• Maintenance of data sets, lab supplies, and general lab operations.
• Perform tumor studies in mice which include, but are not limited to, xenograft of tumor cell lines and injection of oncogenic lentivirus
• Maintenance of mouse colony including monitoring and measuring of tumors
• Assist with cell maintenance.
• Manages resources/supplies and coordinates research projects to achieve specific goals and timetables
• Identifies problems with the lab procedures, escalates to PI when needed with proposed solutions, and implements corrective action as needed.
• Provides technical expertise, answers research related, operational and Salk procedural questions.
• Oversees general lab maintenance/organization, upkeep, and compliance with safety initiatives.
• Contributes to and oversees the development of new techniques and standardized operating protocols (SOP), utilizing new tools that lead to the modification of methodology and increased quality and reliability of research.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a lab either as technician or assistant.
• Bachelor's Degree (BA) from four-year college or university in Biological Sciences or other scientific related subject matter
• Computer skills required: Inventory Software; Microsoft Office; Project Management Software 

Preferred

• MS or PhD degree in biological sciences 

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calcula