Research Assistant

I. DEPARTMENT INFORMATION Job Description Summary : The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (BMM) of the George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), strives to deliver the highest quality of professional education and training, and conduct cutting-edge research in the areas of biochemistry, molecular genetics, and genomics with a goal to better understand human disease. Additionally, the Department continues to have a long and successful record in

training Undergraduate, Master, and Graduate students at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine is seeking a full-time Research Assistant for the laboratory of Dr. Brett Shook. Dr. Shook’s laboratory investigates cellular responses and communication that coordinate tissue inflammation and subsequent repair. Our goal is to identify molecular mechanisms that contribute to irregular immune cell infiltration and function in skin. This position will require working with clinicians and basic researchers to help collect and utilize human tissue samples for research related to skin wound healing.

The Research Assistant will be trained in modern techniques for basic biomedical research discovery. Once trained, the researcher will be responsible for performing experiments under the direction of the principal investigator and contributing to the general maintenance of the laboratory, equipment, and supplies. The individual will conduct experiments under the direct supervision of trained researchers and will also receive mentoring and direct guidance

from Dr. Shook in order to advance his / her career in academic research. In addition to individual tasks, the researcher will work with other researchers in the lab to support a collaborative research environment.

Responsibilities include :

• Provide assistance to and work closely with researchers and clinicians
• Maintain laboratory inventory, including a human skin repository
• Maintain tissue explants in culture and perform various cellular and molecular biology assays on tissue samples
• General maintenance and organization of the laboratory, including compliance with biosafety guidelines

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 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 : Previous laboratory experience (during undergraduate education or post-undergraduate) is desired. Preferred qualifications include : tissue processing, microscopy, flow cytometry, quantitative RT-PCR, and cell culture. Hiring Range $17.75 - $27.01 GW Staff Approach to Pay