Research Fellow

New York Blood Center Inc•City of Rye, NY

1d•$82,232 - $92,960

About The Position

The Research Assistant will support ongoing projects (protective host-parasite immune effector interactions in vitro for Onchocerca volvulus) as well as new projects focused on discovery of novel drug targets in filarial worms that are validated to be essential for survival, development and/or embryogenesis. In addition, they will support research focused on validating HPX-612 as an oral therapeutic option to combat visceral leishmaniasis, first in vitro then in vivo, as well as define optimal posology.

Requirements

Ph.D. in biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, cell Biology, immunology and/or closely related fields.
At least 2-3 years of broad knowledge and experience in biology in a research laboratory setting with a working knowledge of biochemical, structural, molecular and cellular biology including tissue culture techniques, general and confocal microscopy, basic immunology, and general laboratory techniques. Interest in the translational aspects of these disciplines.
Must be familiar with basic molecular and cellular lab techniques
Knowledge of good laboratory technique is essential
Knowledge of basic immunological techniques such as ELISA, tissue culture and analyses of various analytes
Able to learn new techniques
Able to interact with members of other departments
Knowledge of a variety of software applications (Microsoft Office Suite and others related to imaging and graphing).
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple tasks and demands.
High level of interpersonal skills to handle a variety of complex issues and situations.
Position requires demonstrated poise, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with a variety of staff up to and including executive leadership.
Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems within established policies and procedures.
Able to learn various molecular biology techniques including purification of DNA, RNA, generating cDNA, and PCR/qRT-PCR analysis.
Strong attention to detail in all work processes.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to identify complex problems in a timely manner, decipher information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Performs statistical analysis; interprets and evaluates results, and compiles data for peer and PI review.
Any combination of education, training and experience that has supplied the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to perform the essential functions of the job.

Nice To Haves

Experience handling animals (gerbils, mice) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Molecular biology techniques (purification of DNA, RNA, qPCR, qRT-PCR)
Validate essentiality of gene targets using RNAi
Tissue culture techniques, culture worms, and characterizing phenotypes after drug treatment
Study the function of the proteins
Microscopy (regular, IFA and confocal)
Processed fixed specimens for ultrastructural changes using electron microscopy
Culture of human and mouse cells: Set tissue cultures using defined cells to detect and analyze responses against living worms
Culture parasites with host cells.
Test immunogenicity and efficacy of recombinant vaccines against infection with infective stage larvae as well as use monospecific antibodies for ADCC assays in vitro.
Handle animals; immunized and/or treated with drugs and analyze outcomes.
Independent, productive, and creative
Follow protocols
Develop new protocols, execute them, and solve problems if needed
Discuss protocols, experiments, outcomes, and plan future experiments
Good communicating skills, record maintenance and paying attention to details
Contribute to grant and manuscript writing
Experience in summarizing outcomes using various computer programs, including more specific graphing programs such GraphPad, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator.
Maintain laboratory instruments as needed.
Perform the duties as required
Works on special projects, individually and in a team, as required
Makes recommendations to improve organizational processes.
Performs routine administrative functions as required.
Any related duties as assigned.