Research Assistant - Lin Lab

Masonic-Medical-Research-Institute; City of Utica (NY); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Masonic Medical Research Institute in Utica, NY, invites applications for a full-time entry-level Research Assistant in the Lin Lab to support PIs and postdocs with experimental work. The role emphasizes careful protocol execution, data collection, and reporting accuracy.

The candidate will perform molecular biology techniques, cell culture, and histology; assist with mouse genotyping and breeding; and help prepare abstracts and grant reports. Strong communication and organization are essential.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in biology or related science is required.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Professional demeanor in customer-facing contexts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; cross-cultural interactions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Perform DNA, mRNA, and protein isolation from cells or tissue; carry out PCR, western, immunohistochemistry, cell assays, and transfections.
• Culture cells and perform drug studies as directed by the PI.
• Carry out histologic and immunocytochemical experiments; use image analysis systems; analyze data with Excel and SPSS.
• Prepare oral and written reports for the PI, including abstracts, manuscripts, grants, and data reports.
• Collect mouse samples for genotyping; plan and carry out mouse crosses and phenotyping.
• Assist with animal surgery, transport, and recordkeeping; support mouse drug and behavioral studies.
• Collaborate with other PIs and staff; train and assist staff and non-lab personnel.

Skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Multitasking

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

BA/BS in biology

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel)

Job description

Description

A full-time entry level research Assistant position is available in the Lin lab, Masonic Medical Research Institute. The Research Assistant assists the Principal Investigator (PI) and Postdocs by carrying out experiments. The ability to grasp the rationale for the methods used and careful attention to detail of the protocols are important for success. A high level of responsibility, flexibility, and independence are required to carry out the diverse duties of this position.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform DNA, mRNA, and protein isolation from cells or from tissue. Carry out PCR, western, immunohistochemistry, cell assays, and transient and stable transfections.
• Culture cells as needed by lab goals. Perform drug studies as directed by the PI.
• Carry out histologic and immunocytochemical experiments. Use computerized image analysis systems to collect data from experiments. Analyze data with Microsoft Excel and statistics packages such as SPSS with the assistance of the PI.
• Prepares oral and written reports for the PI on research to include, but not limited to: coherently and effectively communicating our laboratory research by writing abstracts, manuscripts, grant proposals, and data reports for grants and oral presentations with corresponding slide presentation for PI, local, and national meetings.
• Collect mouse samples for genotyping. Work with PI to plan and carry out mouse cross and breeding. Assist with mouse phenotyping.
• Assist with animal surgery, transport, and recordkeeping. Work with PI to perform mouse drug and behavioral studies.
• Work cooperatively with other PIs and staff in the laboratory to carry out collaborative research.
• Train and assist other staff and non-laboratory personnel in lab procedures and equipment.

Requirements

• BA/BS in biology, or a related science required.
• The ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• The ability to be responsible, organized, and a problem solver.
• The ability to manage multiple projects in a rapidly changing, deadline-driven environment.
• A professional customer service-related demeanor.
• Strong analytical, time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and skills.
• The ability to effectively interact with individuals from various cultures and backgrounds.
• Professional-level proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly MS Excel).
• The ability to learn department specific systems and hardware as needed.