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Life Sciences Research Assistant I/II (HUT2001.20)

Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR)
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The Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) is seeking a Research Assistant to assist in the execution and support of research projects and daily management of a wet lab environment under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), Ting-Ting Huang, Ph.D.
This position will join the laboratory that studies the role of oxidative stress in tissue damage and degeneration, especially in the nervous system. The research tools include transgenic and knockout mouse models for behavioral studies, biochemical analyses, and gene expression.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week), non-exempt (hourly-paid) position. Location: Palo Alto, CA.
Benefits:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vacation
  • Sick Pay
  • 13 paid Holidays
  • Life Insurance - paid by PAVIR
  • Long-term and Short-Term Disability Insurance - paid by PAVIR
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match and Profit Share
  • Wellness Program
  • Commuter Benefits
PAVIR is affiliated with the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). As a condition of employment, all PAVIR employees are required to have an approved appointment with VAPAHCS and complete a background check.
Duties:
  • Perform behavioral studies to assess cognitive functions and motor activities in experimental animals.
  • Prepare frozen and fixed tissue sections and perform immunohistochemical analyses and image analyses of tissue sections.
  • Provide support in mouse work when needed, including, but not limited to, perfusion and tissue collection.
  • Assist with biochemical analyses of protein levels and RT-PCR analysis of gene expression levels.
  • Track general lab supplies and order all reagents and supplies needed in the lab.
  • Perform routine organization in the lab, including maintaining chemical inventory, managing chemical waste disposal, attending monthly safety meetings and performing as a safety officer in the lab, and preparation of common buffers.
  • Other research duties as needed.
Requirements:
EDUCATION:
  • Required: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in Biology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or in a related field;
  • Desired: Emphasis on animal behavioral studies and classes.
EXPERIENCE:
  • Required:
  • 1 - 2 years of research experience during college years;
  • Experience in handling live research animals (i.e. mice and/or rats); animal breeding and colony management;
  • Experience in conducting behavioral assessments in rodents.
  • Desired: 2+ years of related experience in a research environment, including simple animal surgeries and animal behavioral studies; Previous experience with wet lab management duties.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
  • Previous experience and training in general lab skills such as micro-pipetting, protein measurements, PCR analysis, and tissue homogenization;
  • Previous experience with cell biology, immunology techniques, and biochemistry;
  • Previous experience with immunoassays, including western blotting and ELISA;
  • Ability to analyze scientific data and problem solve experiments including routine calculations of dilution factors and solution concentrations;
  • Good communication skills (written and verbal);
  • Some knowledge of research procedures and protocols gained through education or experience;
  • Previous experience in a variety of research techniques/methods and follow-up data collection;
  • Knowledge of laboratory safety rules and procedures;
  • Ability to work within a team context and collaborate with other lab personnel;
  • Solid record keeping skills to maintain a research notebook with day-to-day experiment procedures and results;
  • Good organizational skills;
  • Good computer skills including email communication, MS Word, and Excel.
Physical Demands: Lifting up to 10 lbs occasionally, standing, bending, repetitive movement, etc.
Environmental Conditions: Exposure to web lab environment, radiation, research animals, blood borne pathogens, toxic/caustic chemical or reagents.
PAVIR engages in nonprofit medical research and works with sponsors and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) in administering funds for conducting research to find new and improved ways to combat human disease and help people with disabilities. Please refer to our website for additional information: www.pavir.org 
PAVIR is pleased to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Veterans, and Individuals with a Disability are encouraged to apply. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact jobs@pavir.org - Human Resources department. 
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