Title:  Research Assistant I

Summary

This is a Research Assistant Position in an Institutional Advanced Technology Core (ATC) with the mission of supporting the advancement of biomedical research at BCM and the development and application of cutting-edge technologies. We are seeking a candidate who is highly motivated for laboratory bench research and technology development and is well organized with excellent communication skills. The position reports directly to the Core Director who is a basic scientist faculty. The major responsibility is to conduct high-throughput antibody based proteomics including protein array and bead-based assays as a core service in support of collaborative research with a broad range of BCM faculty.  Additional responsibilities include data management and reporting, Q/C and Q/I procedures, maintenance of high-end instrumentation, participation in projects to develop new technology platforms and some general laboratory management duties such as inventory and ordering supplies. 

Job Duties

• Perform targeted proteomic platform laboratory technologies that are standard operating procedures (SOP) as Core services. 
• Prepare experimental samples for targeted proteomic SOPs including cell and tissue protein extracts, body fluids, Q/C and quantification of protein samples and purification of proteins and other samples used as controls.  
• Perform SOPs and in an independent manner once trained.
• Operate, program, maintain and trouble shoot advanced robotic instrumentation and scanners for proteomic platforms.
• Inventory and validation by immunochemical assays of antibodies used for protein array platforms. 
• Q/C analysis of raw proteomic data sets and management of processed primary data. 
• Careful, timely and thorough documentation and reporting of Core supported user projects.
• Research and development of new technology platforms and methods under the direction of Core Director.
• Administrative lab management duties including maintaining inventory of lab supplies and reagents, placing orders, shipping and receiving of experimental protein samples. 
• Communicate with team members and researchers.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Areas of research experience include protein biochemistry, protein isolation and purification, cell and tissue fraction for extraction of proteins, quantification of proteins, immunochemical methods for protein detection, QC procedures, data analysis software and computational skills with regard to biotechnology.  
• Other preferred experience is with automated robotics instrumentation and associated software platforms, cell culture methods and high throughput assays.