General Summary

The Research Assistant – Biologics Lab will work in a team structure to support the development and implementation of preclinical and translational research projects relevant to skeletal muscle rehabilitation and biomarker discovery in patients with brain (cerebral palsy, stroke, …) and spinal cord injury. Uses cellular, molecular and genomic approaches, patient-derived samples and animal models to help dissect processes of muscle impairment and therapy outcomes in these patient populations.

The Research Assistant will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Research Assistant will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Principal Responsibilities

THE RESEARCH ASSISTANT BIOLOGICS LAB:

1. Assists with executing and interpreting research pertaining to muscle stem cell and muscle tissue homeostasis in patients with cerebral palsy and related animal models.
2. Assists with the development and execution of preclinical and clinical studies, set to identify new genetic or epigenetic predictors of disease and therapy outcomes.
3. Handles flow cytometry (FACS) to sort different types of cells for projects relevant to the Biologics Lab.
4. Creates/modifies and submits protocols with the institutional review board (IRB) and the institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC).
5. Explains research and clinical studies to patients and family members, requesting participation and obtaining informed consent for collection of muscle biopsies and other biologics.
6. Supports mouse colony maintenance and genotyping.
7. Assists with developing, submitting and publishing the results of research projects in high quality journals and to present data to public conferences/seminars when needed.
8. Participates in weekly lab meetings, journal clubs and seminars.
9. Builds and maintains a journal of own laboratory protocols, experiments, results and analyses.
10. Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Biologics Lab.

Reporting Relationships

1. Reports directly to the assigned Principal Investigators, Dr. Andrea Domenighetti and Dr. Richard Lieber

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

1. Bachelor degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, or related scientific field.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
3. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills needed to participate as a creative member of a growing research team.
4. Ability to exchange ideas and to work closely with clinicians, physical and occupational therapists, patients and professional organizations.
5. Willingness to network within the Institute and to independently strengthen/develop new external collaborations.
6. Ability to timely plan and to coordinate project completions

Working Conditions

1. Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

SRAlab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Required Skills Required Experience