RESEARCH ASSISTANT – Host Pathogen Interaction

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.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs total RNA extraction for DNA methylation/microRNA/gene expression analysis.
• Embeds tissues (intestine, lymph nodes and adipose tissue longitudinally and brain at necropsy) in OCT for spatial transcriptomics analysis.
• Assists 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.
• Assists in the extraction of total DNA/RNA from intestinal tissues, lymph nodes and PBMCs.
• Prepares tissues for spatial transcriptomics, ATAC-sequencing, etc.
• Performs flow cytometry staining and analysis of cell suspensions from intestinal pinch biopsies, blood and other tissues for 15-color flow cytometry.
• Assists in preparation of cell suspensions from blood.
• Assists in preparing cells for flow assisted sorting.
• Performs Real-time RT-qPCR, combined in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence to identify the specific cell types expressing microRNAs/genes of interest in the intestine/lymph nodes/brain etc.
• Performs immunoprecipitation/western blotting for protein expression and quantitation.
• Performs luciferase reporter assays that includes vector ligation, cloning and bacterial culture, plasmid isolation and cell transfection.
• Assists with set up and use of CANTAB devices to test neurocognitive function in rhesus macaques and data analysis.
• Places orders for lab supplies and maintaining accounts up to date.
• Prepares and banks plasma, tissue cell preparations, and/or peripheral blood cell samples from whole blood or other tissues in liquified nitrogen or -80 C freezers for total RNA or protein extraction in the future.
• Maintains and tracks frozen tissue samples in the database as well as maintaining freezer inventories in readily retrievable fashion.
• Inspects, maintains, and stocks the laboratory. Informs supervisor when supplies are low and maintains safety and cleanliness in the laboratory.
• Assists with shipping and receiving noninfectious as well as infectious and/or biohazardous materials to various collaborators and governments institutions.
• Prepares controlled substances, stock solutions, and delivers to Vet Med biweekly.
• Inspects freezers (-20 and -80 C) for ice buildup.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Sciences or related field of study required.

SKILLS: Ability to perform meticulous laboratory work with careful attention to detail. Capacity to work with infectious agents, blood, biohazardous tissues, and chemicals in a safe and conscientious manner. Strong communication skills, organizational skills, and the ability to work well with others required.

EXPERIENCE: Experience with cell and tissue culture, and molecular biology techniques. Familiarity with aseptic techniques used in cell culture. Experience with microscopy, flow cytometry, ficoll separation of blood components. Proficiency with common laboratory equipment. Knowledge of various software programs (including presentation packages, spreadsheets and advanced word processing) preferrred.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS: This job position works with tissue, blood, cultures or animals containing, or potentially containing, human/simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV/SIV) and cell culture lines infected with human or animal pathogens (other than HIV/SIV or Herpes B virus). Some work is performed in a BSL2 laboratory with recombinant DNA/RNA and infectious agents. Participation in a medical monitoring and surveillance program is required. Safety training, equipment, clothing and supplies will be provided. Physical demands include moderate physical activity that includes prolonged standing and/or walking, handling moderate weight objects and/or using or carrying equipment.

Who We Are: Texas Biomedical Research Institute is one of the world's leading independent biomedical research institutions dedicated to advancing global human health through innovative biomedical research. Texas Biomed aims to unravel the mysteries of infectious diseases through innovative thinking, creative problem solving and cutting edge technologies.

What We can offer You:

• Competitive pay
• Defined contribution 403(b) plan plus an optional tax-deferred annuity
• Full insurance benefits
• Holidays, PTO and a paid week off in the last week of December

**All new hires must present proof of an up to date COVID-19 immunization record to include booster(s), if eligible.

Creating the TIDES of Change in Bioscience
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