Research Assistant - 37.5 HRS/WEEK

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Job Title: Research Assistant
Department: Division of Research
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Location: Philadelphia, PA
 

Position Summary
The research assistant performs a variety of support activities for laboratory experiments. Working in close collaboration with principal investigators, faculty and other laboratory staff, the incumbent actively participates in most phases of experimentation, including pre- and post- actions, and shares responsibility for their successful implementation. Key support activities include equipment management, specimen handling, documentation and reporting, and maintaining safety and environment. The person in this position will be working in two laboratories with interests in the areas of neuroscience, ophthalmology and physiology.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Collect experimental data using approved software, tools, and procedures, as needed, and in accordance with established procedures and good laboratory practices.
• Perform regular and ad hoc maintenance of laboratory equipment and materials, including cleaning, troubleshooting, and storage, in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.
• Assist with conducting regular and ad hoc inventory assessments of laboratory equipment and materials; order additional equipment and materials, as directed by researchers and laboratory managers
• Handle experiment-related equipment and materials, including laboratory animals, in accordance with requirements and standards. This includes pre- and post-experiment activities such as equipment setup, assembly and disassembly, storage, and general maintenance.
• Attend experiment-related meetings, as required.
• Stay abreast of developments and trends related to research practices, laboratory equipment, and safety and compliance, including conducting extended academic research on research-related topics, as needed.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
•This individual should be skilled in basic lab techniques such as immunofluorescent and immunohistochemistry labeling, microscopy, PCR, western blots, ELISA assays, protein isolation.
• A solid understanding of ocular anatomy and physiology is essential, including familiarity with the structural organization of the retina and anterior segment, and the functional relationships between ocular tissues.
• Experience in electroretinography (ERG) as a tool for assessing retinal function, optical coherence tomography (OCT) for in vivo structural imaging of the retina and optic nerve, and basic ocular histological techniques including tissue sectioning, staining, and morphometric analysis, or the willingness to learn would be preferred.
• The candidate should also be proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, cloud-based programs such as Google Drive, Docs, Sheets and Calendars, and any experience with Photoshop, Image J, GraphPad, and Prism would be helpful.
• Must possess good organizational and time management skills.
• Experience in any of the following areas would be appreciated: histology skills, cell-imaging/microscopy, and animal handling skills.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education
Bachelor's degree in a life sciences field, such as Biology or Chemistry with 1-3 years of experience OR Master’s degree in related science.
 

Starting Salary: $21.00

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The referenced salary range is based on PCOM good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level. PCOM offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement.

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