Research Associate

George Washington University, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Washington, PENNSYLVANIA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
I. DEPARTMENT INFORMATION


Job Description Summary:
The Department of Epidemiology in the School of Public Health at The George Washington University is conducting several studies for the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) and the HIV Vaccine Trial Network (HVTN) evaluating novel HIV prevention interventions and safety and efficacy studies.
The Research Associate will assist the Director of the Immunology Quality Assurance (IQA) in managing the day to day operations associated with the processing of biological samples collected from consented subjects on multiple studies in compliance with complex multi-site protocols and maintaining our status as a qualified IQA laboratory. The position will also assist in the processing, storage and shipping of biological specimens for other studies of HIV infection and HIV prevention, including ACTG. This position independently carries out research/development activities by designing and conducting experiments in a controlled laboratory setting, under general guidance from the Principal Investigator. This position compiles results and prepares technical reports and documentation of outcomes. This role is familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures. Working under general supervision, this position typically reports to Director of the Immunology Quality Assurance.
Responsibilities include:

  • Operating micropipettes and centrifuges.
  • Working in a laminar flow hood in a BSL2+ laboratory.
  • Performing tissue culturing and sterile techniques.
  • Performing nucleic acid extractions and PCR testing.
  • Performing PBMC isolation from blood samples.
  • Assessing the viability of recovered PBMCs using trypan blue dye exclusion method and hemacytometer.
  • Assisting with DNA sequencing, and GenBank/Blast search analysis.
  • Management of specimen storage and location, including management of storage logs and specimen documentation, including electronic data management in LDMS, and shipment of specimens when needed.
  • Maintain freezer inventory.
  • Sample processing of a variety of biological sample types, including blood, urine, sputum, hair, DBS, etc.
  • Maintaining a passing performance score in both the quarterly IQA proficiency testing and adequate viable and cell count recovery of PBMCs from samples drawn on consenting subjects.
  • Performing nucleic acid extractions from specimens, nucleic acid target amplification (PCR), and sequencing analysis.
  • Performing blast searches in GenBank for identifying regions to use for primer and probe synthesis and collaboration with study teams, Network Laboratories, and other duties as required per protocol Working Conditions.
  • Schedule needed calibration every 6 months for micropipettes,
  • Performing maintenance on the Mili-Q water purification system and routine freezer filter cleaning
  • Daily monitoring and documentation of freezer temperatures
  • Weekly monitoring of liquid NO2 tank levels and refilling when needed
  • Scheduling routine biohazard trash pickup and chemical water pickup
  • Awareness around having annual BSC and fume hood inspections performed in a timely manner
  • Ordering supplies, reagents, and equipment
  • Keep up to date with all of the required training


Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.
Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a master’s degree and 1 year of experience in a related discipline. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.
Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working in a research laboratory, working with biological samples known to be infected with pathogenic viruses.
  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail; strong problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent organizational and communication (verbal and written) skills.
Typical Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience.

II. POSITION INFORMATION


Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
College/School/Department: Milken Institute School of Public Health (SPH)
Family Research and Labs
Sub-Family Laboratory Research
Stream Individual Contributor
Level Level 1
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full time -> FTE 1.00
Hours Per Week: 40
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 9AM-5PM
Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes
Employee Onsite Status On-campus (in person)
Telework:
Required Background Check Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
Internal Applicants Only? No
Posting Number: R002128
Job Open Date: 02/20/2024
Job Close Date:
If temporary, grant funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:
Background Screening Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.
EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Similar Positions