Job ID12186LocationCase Main CampusFull/Part TimeFull-TimeRegular/TemporaryRegularJob DescriptionPOSITION OBJECTIVEWorking under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research work to support human biomarker studies in an NIH-funded laboratory housed within the School of Nursing. Studies are generally focused on the use of large-scale omics, automated high-throughput screening, advanced molecular biology techniques, and machine learning-based analysis to identify blood biomarkers and develop molecular diagnostics that could be used for management of acute brain injury. The research assistant will predominantly support an assay development project which aims to establish a set of cell free RNA-based diagnostic tests, one for the clinical laboratory, and one for the point-of-care, that could be used to rapidly identify stroke in emergency medicine settings. The research assistant will help maintain a biorepository of human specimens, and perform various molecular biology tasks such as DNA/RNA isolation, conventional/quantitative/digital PCR, and bacterial cloning as part of larger overall experimental workflows. This position will also order supplies, help maintain the laboratory space and equipment, and work to ensure/document regulatory compliance.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSCatalog and organize human biological specimens. Coordinate shipping and receiving of biological specimens (10%)Use laboratory/research skills to conduct the analysis of samples and carry out various molecular biology tasks as part of larger overall experimental workflows. Such functions include but are not limited to: isolating nucleic acids from human biofluids to prepare samples for downstream use in experiments; measuring DNA and RNA in human biofluids using various nucleic acid amplification techniques such as quantitative PCR, digital PCR, and LAMP; using conventional PCR, bacterial cloning, and in vitro transcription to generate synthetic RNA standards for use in prototype diagnostic tests; assisting senior laboratory staff with technical development and troubleshooting of prototype diagnostic tests. (50%)Record results of experiments, and maintain records of experiments in a detailed electronic laboratory notebook. (15%)Maintain laboratory cleanliness and maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Document compliance with relevant State, Federal, and Institutional safety and biosafety regulations. (10%)Order laboratory supplies and equipment. (10%)NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSPerform other duties as assigned. (5%)CONTACTSDepartment: Weekly contact with supervisor to discuss project progress. Daily contact with senior laboratory staff and other lab members to discuss projects to maintain and coordinate workflows.University: Occasional contact with collaborative investigators to coordinate transfer of data or specimens.External: Occasional contact with vendors to exchange information.Students: Contact with student employees to exchange information.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITYThis position has no direct supervision of staff employees.QUALIFICATIONSEducation/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 SKILLSStrong theoretical and experiential understanding of basic molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and molecular cloning.Experience working with human biofluids preferred.Strong attention to scientific detail and technical problem solving skills.Strong organization skills are a must, including the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory records.Ability to effectively manage time, multi-task, prioritize, and