Research Assistant

Ocean State Research Institute at the Providence Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center:

Providence is a unique research site in the heart of academic-rich southern New England. Ocean State Research Institute is the non-profit research organization of the Providence VA Medical Center. The fundamental mission of research at the VA is to advance the healthcare of Veterans.

Job Description: We are looking to fill four Research Assistant positions at Ocean State Research Institute. Research assistant will work under the supervision of a Principal Investigator performing small animal and laboratory bench work studies in the field of vascular, cellular, and molecular biology. Please specify which laboratory you would like to interview with.

Laboratory 1

Laboratory 1 investigates mechanisms in the pathogenesis of right ventricular dysfunction in settings of pulmonary hypertension. The laboratory utilizes state-of-the-art molecular and cell biological, biochemical, and physiological approaches as well as preclinical animal models to address clinically relevant questions associated with pulmonary hypertension.

Laboratory 2

Laboratory 2 works on defining cellular/molecular mechanisms of inflammatory angiogenesis (new blood vessels growth) in response to injury in the setting of Diabetes mellitus and aging.

Laboratory 3

Laboratory 3 research interests include oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular senescence, mitochondrial metabolism in chronic lung diseases such as neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia, adult chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and associated pulmonary hypertension.

Laboratory 4

Laboratory 4 is focused on the role endothelial metabolism in inflammation and cardiometabolic diseases. Ongoing projects are investigating the role of endothelial glucose oxidation in systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis, and the role of lipid droplet hydrolysis in insulin sensitivity.

Responsibilities:

· Perform laboratory bench experiments and assays such as: in vitro tissue culture; RNA isolation, purification, and quantification; qPCR; ELISA assays; Western Blot; genotyping

· Image immunohistochemical or immunofluorescent slides on a brightfield/ immunofluorescence microscope, confocal microscope, or slide scanner

· Animal husbandry and colony management such as breeding, weaning, and tagging

· Maintain good documentation of research activities

· Analyze data and create graphs/figures

· Support research activities including making reagents and stocks, process clinical samples for storage and laboratory analysis

· Assistance in preparations of presentations, manuscripts, and grant applications

Qualifications:

Competencies:

· Familiarity with basic laboratory instruments and equipment

· Ability to follow general instructions and procedures, as provided

· Strong organizational and communication skills (communicate clearly and effectively via verbal and written instruction)

· Attention to detail and ability to concentrate on multiple tasks

· Ability to prioritize responsibilities – through completion

· Ability to work independently and with others in the lab - to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts

· Ability to work with minimal oversight, after training period

Education/Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree (relevant field of study is required)

· Prior working experience in an academic basic research laboratory preferred

Benefits:

· Join an active team working on innovative research

· Work with esteemed cardiovascular, pulmonary, and research professionals

· Opportunities for authorship on publications

· Opportunities to present work in-house and at national and international conferences

· Competitive benefits package

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person