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The Research Assistant will assist researchers with day-to-day tasks to include performing research and data management. This role will specifically prepare blood and tissue samples on SIV studies for nucleic acid extraction (DNA, total RNA for microRNA and lncRNA analysis) and various other molecular biology procedures, flow cytometric analysis, immunologic/virology testing and for archiving tissue in freezers for multiple AIDS-related research projects. The assistant will perform total RNA extraction for DNA methylation/microRNA/gene expression analysis, embedding tissues (intestine, lymph nodes, and adipose tissue longitudinally and brain at necropsy) in OCT for spatial transcriptomics analysis. The Research Assistant will also assist in the separation and isolation of epithelial cells, lamina propria cells from intestinal resection segments, lymph nodes (LN), adipose tissue, PBMCs from blood, and microglia and astrocytes from brain at necropsy. They will assist in the extraction of total DNA/RNA from intestinal tissues, lymph nodes, and PBMCs, preparing tissues for spatial transcriptomics, ATAC-sequencing, etc. The role includes performing flow cytometry staining and analysis of cell suspensions from intestinal pinch biopsies, blood, and other tissues for 15-color flow cytometry, as well as assisting in the preparation of cell suspensions from blood and preparing cells for flow-assisted sorting. Additionally, the Research Assistant will perform Real-time RT-qPCR, combined in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence to identify specific cell types expressing microRNAs/genes of interest in the intestine/lymph nodes/brain. They will also perform immunoprecipitation/western blotting for protein expression and quantitation, luciferase reporter assays that include vector ligation, cloning, bacterial culture, plasmid isolation, and cell transfection. The assistant will help set up and use CANTAB devices and Wisconsin tray testing to evaluate neurocognitive function in rhesus macaques and assist with data analysis. The role requires placing orders for lab supplies, maintaining accounts, preparing and banking plasma, tissue cell preparations, and/or peripheral blood cell samples from whole blood or other tissues in liquified nitrogen or -80 C freezers for future extraction. The Research Assistant will maintain and track frozen tissue samples in the database, inspect and maintain the laboratory, and assist with shipping and receiving noninfectious as well as infectious and/or biohazardous materials. They will also prepare controlled substances, stock solutions, anti-retroviral drugs, and deliver them to Vet Med biweekly, while ensuring safety and cleanliness in the laboratory.
