TRA1

Affiliate Name: Brigham & Women's Hospital
Job Category: Research
Department: BWH RENAL TRANSPLANTATION
Shift: Days
Hours/Week: 40
Job Type: Regular
Employment Type: Full TimeResponsibilities:
Working under general supervision, the research assistant is responsible for performing molecular, biological, and immunological assays. Responsibilities include preparation, handling, processing samples and recording results of assays, reporting on these results during meetings with supervisors, and at weekly laboratory research conferences. Through literature searches and conferences with the principal investigator and other collaborators, the research assistant will develop modifications of and improvements on existing techniques.The research assistant will execute protocols to assess reactivity and tolerance to transplantation antigens in the Immunology Research Laboratory. Duties also include execution of genetic testing methodologies for detecting immune response genes, and performing expression studies for these genes. The research assistant will use material from laboratory animals and blood cells from human volunteers. With appropriate advice and direction, she/he will develop new experimental protocols and lab techniques.Specific duties are detailed below:1. Obtains samples of blood, serum, lymphatic organs and urine from experimental animals or human volunteers.
2. Prepares sterile serum, plasma, purified lymphocytes, DNA or RNA from samples.
3. Performs molecular biological techniques such as Western Blots and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR.)
4. Performs competitive quantitative reverse transcription PCR for determination of cytokine expression in tissue and cells.
5. Performs quantitative cytokine analysis using the Luminex® platform.
6. Performs human and murine immunological assays including mixed lymphocyte reactions, ELISpot®, and 3H-thymidine incorporated cellular proliferation.
7. Performs DNA genotyping assays (RFLP) using PCR techniques.
8. Performs ELISA assays for quantification of cytokines in urine, serum and culture supernatant.
9. Determines cell phenotypes and activation states using fluorescent antibody techniques.
10. Operates multicolor flow cytometer for cell phenotype studies and analyzes data.
11. Performs cell isolation and culture.
12. Enters results and data in computer. Uses and develops statistical method for analysis of data.
13. Assists in preparation of data for inclusion in manuscript as well as preparation of manuscript text and editing as required.
14. Reviews current literature pertaining to research and reports findings to principal investigator. Modifies research protocols as needed.
REQUIREMENTS
B.S., B.A. or M.S. degree in Biology, Molecular Biology or Genetics
Familiarity with basic nomenclature of molecular biology and immunology.
Experience with Macintosh Excel and Word programs and ability to independently do statistical analysis on microcomputer. Laboratory experience with electrophoresis and basic molecular assays. One to two years experience in laboratory research1. Excellent proven manual dexterity and visual acuity in a laboratory setting.
2. Ability to organize time, samples and data efficiently and with a high degree of reliability.
3. Excellent verbal communication and writing skills.The Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Transplantation is a large university-affiliated research center in which both clinical service work and basic research is taking place in close proximity. Numerous research projects in the molecular biology and immunology of transplantation tolerance are being conducted by the staff of M.D. and Ph.D.. investigators, technologists, and postdoctoral research fellows. A small biohazard factor is present due to the involvement of human subjects and the use of lowlevel radioactive tracers. Extensive safety precautions and procedures are built into the lab.