Title:  Research Assistant II - Virology

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

• Perform laboratory work in molecular and cellular biology and immunology, including but not limited to cell culture maintenance, DNA preparation, PCR, flow cytometry, and ELISA.
• Perform 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. 
• Select and perform appropriate research procedures.
• Master BSL-3 competencies and assist in running a BSL-3 training program. 
• Ensure quality control of laboratory procedures, including test validations.
• Oversee the maintenance of lab equipment and environment.
• Data entry, cleaning, and analysis. 
• Perform additional routine laboratory procedures to assist in the lab's research.
• Maintain an accurate, up-to-date, organized, and legible lab notebook that records all data according to methods requested.
• Conduct literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format.
• Analyze results of experiments and reports to principal investigators.
• Assign 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.