Research Assistant

Position Focus :

The Research Assistant will conduct cellular experiments to study several aspects of immune responses. In addition to pursuing an independent research project that will employ histology and flow cytometry of tissues obtained from immunized mice, responsibilities include work that will maintain a small laboratory.

This research will have implications for adaptive immune response and the design of vaccines.

Cellular Immunology : Assist in designing, preparing, conducting and analyzing complex experiments studying mouse lymphocytes.

Conduct or assist with experiments involving the transfer of lymphocytes, including cell isolation, enrichment, and cell injection followed by immunization of mice.

Perform high parameter flow cytometry of tissue-derived cell suspensions.

Microscopy : Cut sections of tissues with cryo-microtome and stain for histology. Image prepared slides by widefield fluorescence microscopy.

Animal Care : Help manage a colony of transgenic and genetically modified mice. Duties include weaning mice of breeding cages, tagging mice and obtaining tail biopsies.

General Laboratory : Prepare stocks of some laboratory solutions and help to keep the lab outfitted with supplies and reagents.

Data Analysis : Keep clear and accurate records of data collected during experimentation as well as analysis of the data where appropriate.

Note : This is a full time position. From time to time, certain experiments will require early start times and / or staying late, as mutually agreed upon in advance.

Prefer candidates that are available for two years as these studies will probably go longer.

Essential Duties

1. Researches and collects data through complex laboratory / scientific experiments, techniques, and procedures; library research;

structured interviews; or through other means for designated research assignments. 2. Records and compiles information related to research data.

Codes data accordingly to research specifications. Uses a computer terminal to input and retrieve data and to generate reports.

Processes and summarizes data using scientific or statistical techniques. 3. Assists in data interpretation and analyses.

Reports on status of research activities. Sets up, operates and maintains laboratory equipment and apparatus. 4. Formulates and prepares scientific solutions and media.

Recruits study participants. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. 5. May assist in designing, developing, and modifying research experiments, procedures, or survey instruments.

May oversee and instruct research staff. 6. Performs additional functions incidental to research activities.

Required Education and Experience

• Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education;
• or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field;

or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Required Skill / Ability 1 :

Lab oriented skills : Good dexterity; basic lab computations (solution making etc); use of basic computer programs (e.g. Word, Excel).

Required Skill / Ability 2 :

General abilities : Attention to detail; good organizational skills; good written and spoken English skills; responsible, independent and motivated;

cooperative and friendly work style.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills :

Prefer experience with microscopy or flow cytometry. Prior experience in a research setting or work with live animals is preferred.

Prefer candidates that are available for two years as these studies will probably go longer.

Weekend Hours Required?

Occasional

Evening Hours Required?

Occasional

Drug Screen

Health Screening

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements.

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

The University maintains policies pertaining to COVID-19. All faculty, staff, students, and trainees are required to comply with these policies, which may be found here :

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position.

Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

EEO Statement :

University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.

Additionally, in accordance with Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.