Research Assistant - Henderson Lab Immunology

Overview

Position Summary/

Department Summary:

A Research Assistant position is available in the Division of Immunology of the Children's Hospital. This position is ideal for candidates interested in translational immunology research. A two-year commitment is preferred for this role.

The research assistant will spend his/her/their time assisting Dr. Lauren Henderson in her translational research studies. Dr. Henderson’s research focuses on the role of T cells in pediatric rheumatologic conditions such as juvenile arthritis.

• Isolating mononuclear cells from peripheral blood and synovial fluid (joint fluid)
• Cryopreserving biosamples
• Maintaining cell cultures
• Extracting DNA/RNA
• Processing samples for flow cytometry and mass cytometry (CyTOF)
• Running PCRs
• Conducting T cell functional assays
• Maintaining biosample databases
• There will be opportunities to participate in data analysis (flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, high throughput sequencing of the T cell receptor repertoire)
• The research assistant will also meet with patients and families to obtain consent for research studies
• The research assistant will be considered part of the research team and will have opportunities to present at lab meeting, develop abstracts, participate in manuscript preparation, and attend educational lectures/seminars in immunology and pediatric rheumatology

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in STEM with a focus in biology, molecular biology, life sciences, or medical technology is required.

Experience:

• The ideal candidate should be proactive, organized, and have excellent time management skills.
• He/She/They should feel comfortable interacting with pediatric patients and other research team members.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques is a plus.