Research Assistant - BMB Research

Research Assistant – BMB Research Staff

Department: SOM KC Biochemistry

Job Family Group:
Professional Staff

Position Title:

Research Assistant – BMB Research Staff

Job Description

Summary:

Perform a variety of complex technical duties involved in conducting physical, chemical, biological and other research laboratory tests, experiments and determinations to obtain data for research purposes; compile, analyze, document and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results. Confer with principal investigator to review work assignments and develop plans for research experiments; make minor modifications to existing laboratory procedures and techniques to meet the needs of the particular equipment as required.

Review laboratory methods manual, scientific journals, abstracts and other literature for information applicable to research experiments. A research assistant position is available immediately in the NIH‑funded Genome Maintenance Biology group of Dr. Bret Freudenthal. The candidate selected for the position will work as part of a diverse research group, encompassing undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral level scientists, employing multiple cellular, molecular biology, structural, and biochemical approaches focusing on determining how genome and telomere stability is maintained.

The technician will work on a number of projects in the lab as needs arise. Past technicians have been on multiple publications from the lab. For more information about the laboratory, please see our website at

• Primary duties will include cellular microscopy, protein immunoblotting, maintenance of cell cultures, and DNA isolation and analysis.
• Attend all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and Department, attend departmental seminars and attend regular lab meetings. Provide laboratory training for new students and fellows in the lab.
• Participate in various research projects under the guidance of the faculty supervisor; record and interpret the results of their experiments in a laboratory notebook.
• Interact regularly with faculty and other members of the laboratory to discuss experimental design and interpretation of results.
• Develop and maintain lab guidelines for specific studies as directed by lab supervisor.
• Order supplies and negotiate prices on lab consumables.
• Follow established quality control and quality assurance policies and procedures, including appropriate documentation.
• Serve as lab safety person as needed; dispose of biohazardous materials, chemical waste, sharps and other potentially hazardous materials according to policy, and strictly adhere to safety and biosafety control procedures.
• Calibrate, maintain, and operate equipment keeping appropriate documentation; report malfunctions to supervisor.
• Maintain adequate inventory of lab kits and reagents.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• 2 years of experience in either cellular biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry. Education may be substituted for experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Bachelor's in biology, chemistry, or medicine or other science/medicine‑related area.
• Previous lab experience working with tissue culture.
• Previous lab experience working with protein expression and purification.

• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer skills, data management, and organizational skills.

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer‑paid life insurance, long‑term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance…