Research Assistant - Physiology

Market Range: 05

Hiring Salary: $19.10/Hourly

JOB SUMMARY/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  The Research Assistant performs a wide range of cell and animal experiments and manages the stocks, ordering of supplies and compliance of the laboratory with pertinent regulations. This position will focus on Cardiac Research in the Physiology Department at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Performs DNA Cloning, protein expression, bacterial culture, promoter studies, qPCR, SDS-PAGE, and Western Blotting.
2. Performs Cell Culture Studies: maintenance of cell lines, immune-fluorescence and cell signaling assays.
3. Breeds, genotypes and dissects mice.
4. Assists expression and purification of viruses.
5. Performs molecular biology techniques such as extraction of RNA or DNA, and quantitative Real-Time PCR.
6. Assists other laboratory members in the completion of selected experiments.
7. Conducts and analyzes a variety of cell-based assays including cell toxicity, proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, and cell invasion techniques.
8. Assists in project management, technical paper writing and presents research data in lab meetings.
9. Organizes, orders, and stocks laboratory reagents and equipment. Performs ordering, inventory management, chemical inventory preparation, and instrument maintenance.
10. Assists in the training of students and laboratory staff.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.                                                                                          

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree in one of the life sciences. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

EXPERIENCE:OR a combination of college coursework and work experience to equal eight (8) years.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge in the area of Protein and microscopy and calcium signaling.
• Basic knowledge of animal genetics.
• Ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated evidence of technical skills and acknowledgment on publications.
• Knowledge of the cardiovascular system and rodent anatomy is preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position may be occasionally required to work weekends.