Research Assistant
About The Position
The laboratory of Dr. Kimberly Laffey in the Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Research Assistant. The Laffey lab investigates the cellular mechanisms driving leukemic and autoimmune development of early progenitor cells in the thymus. Using primary human cells and mouse models, the lab studies causal signals that influence the pathologic vs. physiologic fate decisions of thymic progenitors, with the long-term goal of modulating these signals to treat leukemia and autoimmune diabetes. This position offers broad exposure and training in immunology and animal research, and a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a newly established lab. Individuals who enjoy learning new techniques, taking greater ownership as they gain experience, and fostering a highly collaborative lab culture are encouraged to apply.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
- Demonstrated research experience in a laboratory environment.
- Competency in standard laboratory techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA prep, mammalian cell culture, media and buffer preparation.
- Willingness to work with laboratory mice.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Nice To Haves
- Experience with flow cytometry and immunofluorescence techniques is highly desirable.
- Experience in mouse work (husbandry, injection, dissection).
- Experience in library preparation for sequencing.
Responsibilities
- Maintain laboratory inventory and order supplies.
- Ensure lab cleanliness, adherence to safety standards, and proper waste disposal.
- Assist with equipment upkeep, calibration, and basic troubleshooting.
- Over time, contribute to training new lab members and the continued development of lab infrastructure.
- Prepare media, reagents, and buffers.
- Maintain mammalian cell cultures under sterile conditions.
- Perform immunological and molecular assays including flow cytometry, immunostaining, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and Western blotting.
- Maintain accurate experimental records and results.
- Assist in data analysis and visualization for publication.
- Contribute to a collaborative and conducive research environment.
- Assist with mouse colony management, breeding, genotyping, and databasing.
- Perform routine mouse procedures following approved animal protocols.
- Collect and process tissues and samples for downstream analyses.
Benefits
- medical
- dental
- vision plans
- paid parental leave
- short term and long-term disability plans
- life insurance
- flexible spending accounts
- 403(b)-retirement plan which includes a 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service
- 3 weeks of vacation/ personal leave
- 15 sick days
- 9 paid holidays
- paid winter break
- two floating holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
