POSITION SUMMARY:     

The Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center at Mass Eye and Ear has an open position for a Research Assistant to assist in the application of novel gene therapy modalities. The Center provides a dynamic multi-disciplinary environment that pursues the common goal of developing therapeutic gene transfer in future medicine.

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the laboratory of Dr. Anil Chekuri to perform in vivo experiments both in small animal models. The main responsibilities of this position will include animal experimentation and rodent colony management. Familiarity with tissue processing is desirable.  Demonstrated excellence in time management and organizational skills are essential. A bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline is required.

We offer a flexible and collaborative environment, as well as the opportunity to develop scientifically and to explore the promising field of translational AAV gene therapy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

• Animal work (rodents):
• Colony management and animal handling (breeding, tagging, and genotyping)
• Sub-retinal injections
• Injections (SQ, IM, RO, IV, IVT, SR, IP)
• In vivo imaging and Electroretinography
• Pre-op and post-op care
• Euthanasia/necropsy
• Tissue collection
• Ensure cleanliness of the lab and equipment including instrument maintenance.
• Adherence to pertinent departmental policies, practices and procedures (SOPs, IACUC, Hazardous materials, safety procedures and biosafety protocols).
• Keep accurate records of experiments; analyze data, and present results to PI.
• Tissue processing (tissue fixation/freezing, embedding, cryo-sectioning and DNA/RNA extraction) is an asset.
• Molecular cloning of plasmids using PCR, restriction digestion and other methods
• Cell and tissue culture.
• Biochemical assays including SDS-PAGE and ELISA.

 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• BS/BA in biology or related discipline
• Experience in or willing to learn vivo rodent manipulation (including colony management, injections and necropsies).
• Experience in or willing to learn Optical coherence tomography, fundus imaging, and in vivo bioluminescence imaging.
• Must be able to work as part of a team.
• Excellent time management and organization.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work will primarily take place in a research laboratory setting. Job may require exposure to bio-hazardous or toxic substances.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position requires alertness and manual dexterity.

HIPAA Privacy Training and Sanctions

All employees who have access to health information whose confidentiality is protected by the HIPAA Privacy Rule are required by the Rule to receive training so that they have an understanding and knowledge of the Privacy Rule that corresponds to their job responsibilities and of the group health plan’s policies and procedures that impact on their job duties.  Training on the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the plan’s health information policies and procedures under the direction of the institution’s privacy officer is a pre-requisite for this position.

Employees who violate the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

This description is intended to indicate essential tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title.  It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of supervisors to assign, direct, or control the work of staff members under their supervision.  The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned but that are of similar kind or level of difficulty