United Spinal Association Jobs

POSITION OBJECTIVE Working under moderate supervision, perform research work in medical and related technical. The Research Assistant 1 will be a vital team member and will perform research work including animal and human tissue processing, cell cultures, various immunohistochemistry assays, protein chemistry including gel electrophoresis and western blotting, and assist with general lab maintenance. The Zhu laboratory studies neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease and other related diseases. Specifically, the lab focuses on how mitochondria and m6A modification in various cell types contribute to the cell death and disease progression. They will work closely with lab members including the principal investigator, research associates, post-docs and other research assistants, and learn to design, perform, and analyze experiments. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  1.    Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involves use of lab skills. Process human and animal samples for histological and biochemical studies. Learn to dissect tissues of selective brain regions and prepare tissue sections, perform histochemical and immunohistochemical experiments. Assist with mouse colony maintenance. Generate, maintain, and analyze tissue culture cell lines for experimental purposes. (30%) 2.    Conduct analysis of samples. from cultured cell samples. Become proficient in microscopy and digital image acquisition. This includes light microscopy, fluorescent microscopy, and confocal microscopy. Perform gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. Perform PCR to assist with genotyping of mouse models. (25%) 3.    Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments. Prepare basic figures using PowerPoint for describing and presenting results to PI. Use Excel and other statistical software to quantify results. Learn to use Western blot image analysis software. Develop skills in other software- Image J, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator. (20%) 4.    Maintain records of experiments. Maintain clear and accurate records in lab book, and use Box or lab server as backup. (10%) 5.    Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Perform routine lab maintenance, including maintaining organization of stockroom, refrigerators and freezers, cleaning equipment and lab ware; dispose of biohazardous waste. (10%) 6.    Assist with general lab duties, such as helping to prepare, order laboratory supplies, complete, and update annual lab safety training records. Assist lab members with shipping and receiving samples. Run autoclave as needed for reagent sterilization and waste decontamination. Attend weekly lab meetings (currently remote via Zoom). (5%) NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  Perform other duties as assigned. CONTACTS  Department: Daily contact with supervisor and other lab personnel to discuss research and maintain workflow.  University: Occasional contact with other labs/departments to share information.  External: Limited contact with vendors to exchange information. Limited contact with outside collaborators to receive/ship samples and exchange information.  Students: Regular contact with students in the lab to exchange information. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY  This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. QUALIFICATIONS Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in science and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required. REQUIRED SKILLS 1.    Has knowledge of basic laboratory skills including pipetting, basic chemistry lab techniques including weighing using analytical balance, preparing solutions, pH meter usage.  2.  &nb