Senior Research Assistant - Lab

The George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The George Washington University is seeking a Senior Research Assistant for their Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine department. This role focuses on studying tumor cell interactions and involves hands-on research in a laboratory setting. Ideal candidates will have a BA/BS degree and relevant laboratory experience, contributing to meaningful research that informs health sciences. A comprehensive benefits package is available.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance

Tuition assistance programs

Retirement savings options

Qualifications

• Qualified candidates will hold a BA/BS and 1 year of experience.
• Experience with animal handling and molecular biology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists with molecular biology-related experiments including DNA and RNA extraction.
• Conducts data collection and analyzes experimental procedures.
• Handles laboratory mice and manages colony operations.

Skills

Molecular biology

Animal handling

Gene analysis

Education

BA/BS in related discipline

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

I. DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Job Description Summary:

Founded in 1824, the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences ( SMHS ) is the 11th oldest medical school in the country and the first in the nation’s capital. Since its establishment, the school has been at the forefront of medical education and has grown to include highly ranked programs in the health and biomedical sciences. With dozens of top-tier residency programs, SMHS is a competitive and esteemed destination for medical school graduates across the country. Find out more here: http://smhs.gwu.edu/

The Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine ( BMM ) department at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences ( SMHS ) strives to deliver the highest quality of professional education and training and conduct innovative research in the areas of biochemistry, molecular genetics, and genomics with a goal to better understand human disease. The Department continues to have a long and successful record in training Undergraduate, Master and Graduate Students. Research Programs span from cancer biology, hepatobiology, autism, vascular biology, and computational genomics. Unlocking the mysteries of biologic processes at the molecular and genomic level is the common thread connecting all research programs. The research in the Department continues to connect modern biochemistry and genomic discoveries to translational medicine, leading to a unique multidisciplinary research program in biochemistry and molecular medicine.

There is an immediate opening for a Senior Research Assistant position in the laboratory of Dr. Rong Li to study the interactions between tumor cells and immune cells in a breast tumor microenvironment. The Senior Research Assistant will carry out research/development activities by assisting with experiments in a controlled laboratory setting, under general guidance from the Principal Investigator. The core responsibilities of this position include assisting with data collection and administration of experimental procedures, making detailed observations, and assisting senior level researchers analyze data and interpret results. This role may compile routine results, may contribute to technical reports and documentation of outcomes, and assists with the preparation of results for publication. This role has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field, and performs activities similar to those of a Research Assistant but is more experienced and independent.

Responsibilities include:

• Assists in the handling of laboratory mice, breeding, genotyping, and colony management.
• Assists with molecular biology-related experiments, including DNA , RNA , and protein extraction and gel electrophoresis.
• Assists with cell culture-related work, including cell passaging and basic phenotype analysis.
• General lab organization including ordering, invoice reconciliation, receiving and shelfing of lab reagents, common reagent preparation, and biohazard waste disposal.

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a BA/BS and 1 year of experience in a related discipline. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with basic chemistry and biology-related knowledge is desired.
• Prior lab experience such as animal handling is preferred.

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. POSITION INFORMATION

Campus Location:

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:

College/School/Department: School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS)

Family

Family Research and Labs

Sub-Family

Sub-Family Laboratory Research

Stream

Stream Service and Support

Level

Level Level 3

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule:

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes

Employee Onsite Status

Telework:

Telework: No

Required Background Check

Required Background Check Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only?

Internal Applicants Only? No

Posting Number:

Posting Number: R002293

Job Open Date:

Job Open Date: 05/30/2025

Job Close Date:

Background Screening Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently employed with The George Washington University?
  • No
  • Yes
• * For current GW employees, have you completed your Introductory Employment Period (IEP)? (As a reminder,employees in their IEP are not eligible to apply for other internal university staff and research positions until the IEP is complete.)
  • Yes, IEP complete
  • No, still in IEP
  • N/a - not a current GW employee
• * What is your expected salary range?

  (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Resume
Optional Documents
• Cover Letter

Human Resource
Management & Development



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