Life Sciences Research Assistant – Brain Injury and Degeneration - PAVIR

Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) supports the nation's second largest research program conducted among the VA Hospitals and is looking for a full-time Life Sciences Research Assistant who will support Principal Investigator, Dr. Jian Luo. The Research Assistant will assist with mouse studies assessing brain injury and degeneration under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Luo.

BENEFITS

PAVIR offers generous benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, vision, dental, 14 paid holidays, paid vacation time, sick pay, a 401(k) with a fully vested 6% company match and 3% profit share, a wellness program, commuter benefits, and professional development training. Plus, we pay for life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES OF A RESEARCH ASSISTANT

• Assist with general wet lab work including culturing of cell lines, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry;
• Carry out surgical procedures including injections in mice;
• Carry out behavioral tests;
• Collect blood and tissue for analysis.
• Maintain a mouse colony including breeding, weaning, and PCR genotyping;
• Analyze data and report findings;
• Present data at lab meetings.
• Regularly document results and findings of experiments.
• Assist with developing new research tools and methods;
• Assist with other duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience;
• 0-2 years of related experience including undergraduate experience;
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Neurology, Chemistry, Physics or in a related field;
• 3 or more years of related experience;
• Experience with rodent handling, including perfusions, tissue collection and/or behavioral tests;
• Experience with mammalian cell cultures, growth and survival assays, immunoassays, PCR, and/or si/shRNA techniques;
• Experience with molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemical techniques;
• Ability to work independently and proactively with limited supervision;
• Basic understanding of animal physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and some mathematical skills;
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal);
• Strong knowledge of research procedures and protocols gained through education and/or experience;
• Ability to work within a team context and collaborate with other lab personnel;
• Previous experience in a variety of research techniques/methods and follow-up data collection;
• Knowledge of laboratory safety rules and procedures;
• General computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

ABOUT PALO ALTO VETERANS INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH (PAVIR)

PAVIR facilitates research and education activities conducted at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. At PAVIR we work with more than 160 uniquely talented medical scientists. We recruit and retain talented employees who believe in making a difference in the lives of others through innovative health research.

READY TO JOIN OUR RESEARCH TEAM?

If you feel that you would be right for this job, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!

PAVIR is a nonprofit foundation 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 before they can commence work.

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.