This Staff Research Assistant 1 (SRA1) will be heavily involved in performing physiological studies, tissue dissection and processing, cellular and tissue analyses, and data analysis to quantify results in association with a project devoted to understanding the heterogeneous responses to GLP-1 receptor agonists across multiple traits and in the context of genetic diversity. In doing this work, the individual will be performing in vivo tests of glucose and energy homeostasis in mouse models of diet-induced obesity, delivering GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs to animals undergoing these tests, and performing western blotting, molecular biology analyses, ELISA, cell culture, transcriptional assessments, and histological techniques.
Beyond this, the individual will assist in carrying out experiments probing fatty liver, adipose tissue formation, and molecular underpinnings of type 2 diabetes in the context of ER stress in support of the Koliwad Lab’s research program. Responsibilities % of time Essential Function (Yes/No ) Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor) 50% Yes Mouse work: maintenance and husbandry, serving as point person for management of mouse study cohorts, including administering specific drugs and nutrients both orally and by injection, mouse genotyping, and metabolic testing including those needed to measure glucose, insulin, and pyruvate tolerance as well as those needed to measure food intake and energy balance 30% Yes Molecular biology techniques: assisting with surgeries and tissue analyses, and the performance of PCR, western blot, histological analyses, cell sorting, microscopy, and image analysis.
Experience/understanding of tissue culture, molecular cloning, and basic bioinformatic analysis tools is of added value 20% Yes Record-keeping and general laboratory maintenance, including setting up the lab, ordering and stocking supplies, and coordinating equipment maintenance. Attendance at trainings and seminars to advance the understanding of the individual’s projects and career development · ordering supplies/reagents/ equipment O rganizing lab gatherings including lab meetings and journal clubs.
Managing laboratory protocols and approvals (mouse care protocol, bio-safety protocol, and chemical inventory). 100 (To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.) Required
BA/BS degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related sciences, and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience Experience with basic biochemical assays, tissue culture, molecular biology techniques, high-throughput sequencing, programming such as python/R, histology and basic animal handling experience (may be that which is acquired while in school).
Methodological knowledge on how to optimize the molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and cellular assays to be performed Mouse handling and colony management
Basic skills in statistical analysis and the use of relevant statistical software. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of molecular cloning.
Knowledge of mouse genetics and husbandry. Basic mammalian tissue culture techniques. Basic understanding of trouble-shooting experiments and problem solving.
Basic understanding of tissue sectioning, histology, staining and imaging. Preparation of scientific figures using Power Point, Adobe Illustrator, and/or similar programs.
Full time · Day shift