Research Assistant

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center•New York, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center seeks Research Assistant in New York, NY to be responsible for performing research activities in collaboration with internal/external clinical researchers from various background disciplines. Independently execute research experiments as directed by the Scientific Lead and conduct a wide variety of experimental protocols for investigators by developing new research methods or improving existing ones as needed. Performs necessary analysis and calculations, records data and writes reports on research findings. Work involves DNA extraction, custom barcoded PCR amplification, and other specialized molecular biology techniques. Ensures laboratory equipment, instruments, solutions, reagents, assays and other supplies for research experiments are prepared for testing. Ensures compliance with all safety, health, and environmental rules and regulations in Human Subject Testing. Monitors tracking expenditures for the laboratory by overseeing the purchased items in Excel databases or web-based systems; obtains prior approval when needed to remain within the annual budget for the laboratory. Maintains high quality control and quality analytics in laboratory procedures. Proactively identifies bottlenecks and creates corrective solutions/processes in coordination with Scientific Lead. Engages and participates regularly in meetings. Participate in the write up of results for scientific papers and participate in the statistical analysis of data generated from these experiments. Maintains a Fecal Biobank daily with sample tracking and aliquoting. Performs queries of pertinent data/information that is both formatted and presented to investigators. Accumulates a working knowledge of research database systems to further assist with large datasets for research experiments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Biotechnology, Biology, Microbiology or closely related field.
3 years of experience in the position offered or working in a biological laboratory environment.
3 years of experience with molecular biology laboratory techniques including DNA extraction, conventional PCR, quantitative PCR, library preparation, and sequencing platforms.
3 years of experience with Database and freezer inventory management.
3 years of experience maintaining laboratory inventory and ordering in web-based computer systems.
3 years of experience preparing biospecimen sample shipments, as well catalog and receiving activities.
3 years of experience preparing standard operating procedures for human clinical studies.
3 years of experience planning and executing various workflows for human clinical studies.
3 years of experience working with at least 3 of the following biospecimens: human saliva, biopsy, urine, blood, swab, cyst, fecal.
Experience with operating NGS instruments (Illumina and PacBio) and experience selecting preferred applications to both technologies.
Experience with laboratory robotics with 96- and 384-plate setup.

Responsibilities

Perform research activities in collaboration with internal/external clinical researchers from various background disciplines.
Independently execute research experiments as directed by the Scientific Lead.
Conduct a wide variety of experimental protocols for investigators by developing new research methods or improving existing ones as needed.
Perform necessary analysis and calculations, record data and write reports on research findings.
Ensure laboratory equipment, instruments, solutions, reagents, assays and other supplies for research experiments are prepared for testing.
Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental rules and regulations in Human Subject Testing.
Monitor tracking expenditures for the laboratory by overseeing the purchased items in Excel databases or web-based systems; obtain prior approval when needed to remain within the annual budget for the laboratory.
Maintain high quality control and quality analytics in laboratory procedures.
Proactively identify bottlenecks and create corrective solutions/processes in coordination with Scientific Lead.
Engage and participate regularly in meetings.
Participate in the write up of results for scientific papers and participate in the statistical analysis of data generated from these experiments.
Maintain a Fecal Biobank daily with sample tracking and aliquoting.
Perform queries of pertinent data/information that is both formatted and presented to investigators.
Accumulate a working knowledge of research database systems to further assist with large datasets for research experiments.