Research Lab Assistant I

Job Title: Research Laboratory Assistant I

Location: Minneapolis VA Medical Center

Summary:

The Center for Veterans Research and Education (CVRE), whose mission is helping to support

innovative research and education initiatives that improve the health and well-being of Veterans, is

seeking a Research Laboratory Assistant I.

Position Description:

The RLAI will be working on research projects broadly encompassing, pathology, biomarker and genomic discovery in the field of neuroscience and military related environmental exposures such as burn pit emissions. The project includes profiling genes and protein analysis that drive the onset of inflammation in the central nervous and pulmonary systems. The project is a part of a large multisite and collaborative effort. The Minneapolis VAHCS laboratory will focus on histopathology, biomarker (gene and protein profiles) discovery targeting the onset of inflammation and aging in tissue samples (including but not limited to brain, plasma and lung). The RLAI will be involved in the evaluation of histopathology and biomarkers identified by the principal investigator or collaborators.

Responsibilities:

Major duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Preform biochemistry and molecular biology assays such as ELISAs and mRNA isolation.
• Maintain tissue samples in frozen storage and propagate if necessary for tissue culture.
• Perform tissue culture work with brain, lung and immune cells (human or rodent) for maintenance and experiments.
• Perform experiments with tissue samples to evaluate to determine the presences of cytokine/chemokine associated in rodent tissue.
• Maintain detailed records of all experiments performed.
• Perform basic statistical analyses of results using PC or Mac/IOS equipment and statistical packages such as Excel and Graphpad Prism.
• Maintain inventory of the laboratory as relates to the project.
• Assume responsibility under the principal investigator for following all mandated safety practices.
• Carry out rodent studies that include breeding, genotyping and tissue collection.
• Assist in the design of the experiments above.
• Histopathology for lung and brain tissue
• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts
• Other duties as assigned.

Applicant must include a cover letter

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Licensure/Registration/Certification: None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in coordinating multiple tasks and project elements with differing timelines and completion deadlines.

•Excellent oral and written communication skills.•Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practices, human subjects’ protections, and federal regulations related to clinical research.

Conditions of Employment:

• Subject to a criminal and educational background check.
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Typical hours fall within standard business hours, work may be required during hours beyondstandard business hours, including weekends.
• Must be a US citizen.

Physical Requirements: The employee must be able to navigate the medical center, use a keyboard, and lift up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodation may be considered in determining an applicant’s ability to perform the duties/functions of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Center for Veterans Research and Education does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or status as transgender, national origin, caste, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental