Summary

The Department of Pediatrics Section of Tropical Medicine seeks a highly motivated and qualified Research Assistant II to work in the lab of Dr. Shannon Ronca. The purpose of the Research Assistant II position in the Department of Pediatrics-Tropical Medicine is to conduct responsible research work in virology, immunology, and epidemiology. The project will primarily focus on developing vaccines, treatments, and understanding mechanisms of viruses requiring Biosafety Level 3 handling, such as SARS-CoV-2, West Nile virus, and Chikungunya virus.

Job Duties

• Performs laboratory work in molecular and cellular biology and immunology, including but not limited to cell culture maintenance, DNA preparation, PCR, flow cytometry, and ELISA.
• Performs laboratory work in virology, including infectious work with in vitro and in vivo models, and viral titration assays. The majority of this work will occur at a BSL-3. 
• Selects and performs appropriate research procedures.
• Masters BSL-3 competencies and assist in running a BSL-3 training program. 
• Ensures quality control of laboratory procedures, including test validations.
• Oversees the maintenance of lab equipment and environment.
• Data entry, cleaning, and analysis. 
• Performs additional routine laboratory procedures to assist in the lab's research.
• Maintains an accurate, up-to-date, organized, and legible lab notebook that records all data according to methods requested.
• Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format.
• Analyzes results of experiments and reports to principal investigators.
• Assigns duties to less experienced staff and provide secondary supervision to staff

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or a related field. 
• Three years of relevant experience.