Summary

The Research Assistant II position involves both research and administrative responsibilities. Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant II conducts independent and collaborative research involving in vivo animal studies, molecular biology, cell cultures, and histology. Administrative duties, include (but are not limited to) maintenance of laboratory inventories, ordering laboratory supplies, biohazardous shipping, oversees maintenance of laboratory equipment, and attends monthly Technical Staff meetings.

Independent and collaborative research activities are expected to lead to, at minimum, co-authorship on research papers. Attendance at lab meetings to present fortnightly research updates is expected as well as attendance at other relevant meetings and colleague presentations.

Essential Duties

1. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, conducts collaborative and independent research requiring animal surgery, molecular biology, cell culture, and histology.
2. Completes appropriate training for each research project. Adheres to all Institute policies and procedures, attends annual training sessions, and additional trainings if needed.
3. Maintains accurate records of research findings and results in a detailed up-to-date laboratory notebook.
4. Maintains folder with current, up-to-date protocols.
5. Participates in weekly laboratory meetings and presents findings (schedule determined by Principal Investigator).
6. Contributes to the development and assembly of Principal Investigator abstracts, posters, and slide presentations for scientific meetings.
7. Assists Principal Investigator with the preparation of and submission of animal protocols to the IACUC.
8. Completes animal training as required and stays up to date with all new animal protocols and procedures.
9. Performs animal surgery and imaging on live animals (ie., slit lamp, fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT).
10. Oversees the management of the mouse colony and maintains detailed records, ensuring all lines are breeding well and animal numbers match the needs of ongoing studies.
11. Completes and/or coordinates the collection, processing and storage of experimental samples, and maintains a detailed record for future use.
12. Maintains multiple laboratory inventories: purchasing, chemical, animal, drug and biological materials.
13. Oversees maintenance of -80 freezer, -20 fridge and 4 fridge. This includes on call responsibilities in the event of after hour freezer failures.
14. Performs ordering for the laboratory, completing the necessary training, and creating and managing all purchase orders.
15. Oversees the shipping and receiving of biohazardous material from and to the lab and stays current with all required training.
16. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, will oversee the orientation and training of new/junior research assistant/summer students who join the Kim lab.
17. Attends seminars and symposiums as opportunities arise, when not interfering with experiments.
18. Attends monthly Tech Staff Meetings to represent the lab and bring back important updates.
19. Performs other laboratory related functions as required or directed.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree with research expertise (2+ years).
• Knowledge of animal handling, experiment planning, computer skills, and data analysis skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of medical terminology helpful.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Well organized and detail-oriented.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work will primarily take place in a research laboratory setting, as well as within the Animal Facility. Job may require exposure to bio-hazardous or toxic substances, as well as Blood Borne Pathogens.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Position requires alertness and manual dexterity.

HIPAA Privacy Training and Sanctions

All employees who have access to health information whose confidentiality is protected by the HIPAA Privacy Rule are required by the Rule to receive training so that they have an understanding and knowledge of the Privacy Rule that corresponds to their job responsibilities and of the group health plan's policies and procedures that impact on their job duties. Training on the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the plan's health information policies and procedures under the direction of the institution's privacy officer is a pre-requisite for this position.

Employees who violate the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

This description is intended to indicate essential tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of supervisors to assign, direct, or control the work of staff members under their supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned but that are of similar kind or level of difficulty