Research Assistant- Trowbridge Laboratory

The Jackson Laboratory has an opportunity available as a Research Assistant in the Trowbridge laboratory. With input and guidance from the Laboratory Manager and oversight as needed, the incumbent manages all mouse strains making key decisions regarding: breeding management, biosampling, aging and sexing mice, and disposition of sick or injured or mice. The incumbent will be responsible for key experimental aspects including but not limited to: producing experimental cohorts needed, feeding special grain to different cohorts, weighing mice, scheduling phenotyping and harvesting of tissues. Meticulous attention to detail and accurate record keeping are required.

Incumbents are required to work flexible shifts that may include evenings, week-ends and/or holidays depending on the demands of the research and/or laboratory operations.

• Consistently manages breeder rotation as required per strain and appropriately identifies and selects replacement breeder mice.
• Accurately maintains strain information (including genotypes) and experimental data in applicable databases
• Precise and legible cage card maintenance
• Performs tail biosampling technique for genotyping of applicable strains
• Promptly interprets genotyping results for colony maintenance
• Implements the breeding scheme of new strains as determined by the Laboratory Manager
• Analyzes reproductive performance data

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Colony Management

• Clear and frequent reporting of colony status including but not limited to colony productivity, cohort production and experimental progress to Laboratory Manager

• Maintains appropriate breeding scheme(s) as required per strain

• Plans and executes expansion of number of breeders for larger cohorts of mice needed

• Consistently manages breeder rotation as required per strain and appropriately identifies and selects replacement breeder mice

• Accurately maintains strain information (including genotypes) and experimental data in applicable databases

• Precise and legible cage card maintenance

• Performs tail biosampling technique for genotyping of applicable strains

• Promptly interprets genotyping results for colony maintenance

• Implements the breeding scheme of new strains as determined by the Laboratory Manager

• Analyzes reproductive performance data

• Experimental Support & Special Projects

• Masters biomethods techniques and efficiently performs the following:

• Retro-orbital bleed biomethod techniques

• Animal euthanasia in accordance with established laboratory procedures for humanely euthanizing mice in barrier facilities

• Animal restraint

• Ear notch identification

• Tail tipping biosample collection

• Ability to efficiently conduct longitudinal data collection for mouse studies - including body weight, biosampling, etc.

• Perform Qiagen and crude lysis DNA preparation of mouse tail biopsies.

• Genotyping by standard PCR - set up reactions, pour and run gels, record data, and file results.

• Run ELISAs on mouse serum.

• Prepare tissues for downstream procedures including flow cytometry, histology, RNA or protein extraction.

• Ability to master new experimental techniques and Biomethods as needed.

• Regular, reliable and consistent attendance

• Ability to meet flexible and changing demands including some hours on weekends and holidays. Ability to work flexible schedule depending on research/operational needs

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of mouse genetics as acquired by a degree in the biological sciences or 1 - 2 years work experience in which animal husbandry and colony management were job responsibilities.
• Successful completion of Lab Animal Science or equivalent experience.
• Successful completion of the Laboratory's Genetics course or equivalent college accredited coursework.

Pay Range: $18.59 - $26 per hour, depending upon experience

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.