We are seeking a Research Assistant (RA) to join Dr. Tawfeek’s laboratory at the New York Institute of Technology-Long Island Campus. The RA will assist the Principal Investigator in running investigator-initiated research programs. The research programs are focused on studying bone loss and immune dysfunction after spinal cord injury (SCI) using preclinical rodent models of SCI. The work will involve performing in vivo and in vitro procedures and performing molecular biology procedures and assays. The successful candidate will work under close supervision by Dr. Tawfeek and his research team members.

Responsibilities

• Performs in vivo and in vitro procedures, experiments, and assays.
• Assists in sample processing and storage and management of sample inventory, coordination of sample transport, and shipping specimens per IATA guidelines.
• Maintains lab equipment and prepares, organizes, and maintains different detailed laboratory and study documents. 
• Assists with management and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulatory requirements and animal and biosafety protocol submissions.
• Places orders for reagents and animals from different vendors. 
• Performs additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science, biology, or similar/related field.
• Experience working with mice including colony maintenance, breeding, genotyping, injection, surgery and postoperative monitoring, blood collection and cardiac puncture, euthanasia, and tissue collection.
• Experience with tissue culture, PCR, Western blot, and ELISA.
• Well-organized, motivated, and a responsible team member with ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in performing contusion and/or transection spinal cord injury surgery in mice.
• Experience in bone biology and/or immunology.
• Cell and tissue staining.
• Flow cytometry analysis.