Campus Pride Jobs

Job ID 12479 Location Case Main Campus Full/Part Time Full-Time Regular/Temporary Regular Job Description POSITION OBJECTIVE Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research work that focuses on determining the internal organization of virus particles. The objective of this research is the construction of HIV-1 particles labelled with minimal fluorescent tags, using Genetic Code Expansion (GCE) technology, for high-resolution fluorescence imaging. This will involve designing a series of labels in select HIV-1 proteins, optimization of protocols for the production of labeled viral particles, and characterization of the produced viruses using quantitative biochemical and virologic approaches. Overall the studies aim to enable high-resolution fluorescence imaging HIV-1 viruses in vitro as well as following infection. The imaging studies, using novel fluorescence microscopy approaches, will be performed in external collaborations. This position will work closely with the principal investigator to carry out the most complex assignments and coordinate research activities and experiments. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Working closely with the principal investigator, carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature aimed to produce and characterize fluorescently tagged HIV-1 virions. Design and construct retro- and HIV-1-based vectors incorporating minimal tags using innovative cloning techniques. Produce minimally labeled viral particles using Genetic Code Expansion technology, and characterize biochemical composition and virologic properties using quantitative western blotting and infectivity assays. Experiments will be performed in both established and primary human cells under BL2 and BL2+ containment conditions. (59%) Devise, optimize and evaluate new protocols and techniques for non-routine research projects involving a high degree of skill and training and utilize newly developed research techniques, as appropriate. Evaluate adequacy of techniques and protocols designed to produce proteins tags using GCE technology; study and test new protocols and analyze data. (10%) Maintain accurate and thorough records of the experimental protocols developed, and detailed descriptions of experiments performed and the obtained research data. (10%) May co-author research projects. Provide high quality research data and publication quality figures to the principal investigator for use in presentations, progress reports, manuscripts and grant applications. Co-author scientific publications resulting from and/or including results of experimental studies. (10%) Coordinate laboratory/research activities within the laboratory and with external collaborators in the US and UK, may supervise graduate students and technicians involved in studies relevant to this research project. Will train new laboratory personnel in standard laboratory practices and relevant research techniques. May monitor the laboratory budget including spending on federal grants that fund laboratory's research activities. (6%) NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Perform other duties as assigned. (5%) CONTACTS Department: Frequent contact with the principal investigator, research associates and students within the research group in the course of conducting research activities. University: Infrequent contact with principal investigators or laboratory personnel in other research groups or core facilities to exchange expertise or information External: Infrequent contacts with external collaborators aimed to organize and co-ordinate exchanges of research materials. Occasional contacts with sales representatives for product inquiries or to arrange services. Students: Regular contact with student employees to exchange information. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY May supervise students and technicians. QUALIFICA