Research Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Connecticut

Why UConn Health

UConn Health is a vibrant, integrated academic medical center that is entering an era of unprecedented growth in all three areas of its mission: academics, research, and clinical care. A commitment to human health and well-being has been of utmost importance to UConn Health since the founding of the University of Connecticut schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine in 1961. Based on a strong foundation of groundbreaking research, first-rate education, and quality clinical care, we have expanded our medical missions over the decades. In just over 50 years, UConn Health has evolved to encompass more research endeavors, to provide more ways to access our superior care, and to innovate both practical medicine and our methods of educating the practitioners of tomorrow.

The Department of Medicine in the School of Medicine is seeking applications for one (1) Special Payroll Research Assistant to work in a lab that specializes in Lyme disease research with a strong emphasis on bacterial gene regulation. This position is 35-40 hours per week for approximately 12 months.

At the UCHC this class is accountable for performing the basic laboratory and/or related support tasks for assigned research projects/programs or segments of programs/projects.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the close supervision of an employee of higher grade; works more independently with acquired experience.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May lead paraprofessional clerical or other lower ranking employees as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Prepare simple to moderately complex buffers and reagents, including performing chemical calculations and adjusting pH according to prescribed protocols with minimal supervision; and prepare liquid and semi-solid microbiological media using aseptic technique.
• Purify DNA and RNA from animal tissues according to prescribed protocols with limited supervision.
• Perform recombinant cloning using simple to advanced techniques, including ligation-independent cloning; prepare DNA for Sanger sequencing and analyze raw DNA sequencing data; prepare competent E. coli cells; transform chemically competent E. coli; analyze bacterial transformants by PCR amplification; and analyze recombinant DNA by Sanger sequencing.
• Express recombinant proteins in E. coli; purify recombinant proteins using affinity and size-exclusion chromatography; and analyze bacterial cell lysates and recombinant proteins by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting according to prescribed protocols with minimal supervision.
• Handle Borrelia burgdorferi cultures using aseptic technique; examine and enumerate B. burgdorferi cultures using darkfield and epifluorescence microscopy according to prescribed techniques; prepare liquid cultures and solid agar plates of bacterial samples; and prepare bacterial specimens for analysis using simple to moderately complex techniques according to prescribed protocols.
• Handling and maintenance of small animals (rodents); perform simple procedures on animals, including needle inoculation and collection of serum for analysis using prescribed protocols under supervision.
• Maintain Ixodes tick colony and perform tick feeding and infection experiments.
• Maintain data in laboratory notebooks and other research-related records.
• Work with laboratory personnel to maintain inventory and restock supplies; maintain laboratory equipment; and ensure cleanliness of laboratory workspaces.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

• Basic knowledge of research protocols, principles and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of scientific techniques such as tissue culturing, reagent/solution preparation, staining, etc.
• Basic knowledge of experimental design, mathematics, statistics, computer applications, laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of a science such as; chemistry, biology, microbiology, pharmacology.
• Basic knowledge of physical and data resources in application scientific disciplines.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to identify, produce, organize, analyze, evaluate and interpret data.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Bachelors degree in an appropriate discipline, i.e., advanced molecular or cell biology, microbiology and/or biochemistry. Degrees in other areas may be substituted on a case-by-case basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• One (1) year of General Experience must have been at the level of Laboratory Assistant 1 or above.
• Prior experience handling BSL-2 organisms and/or animal models.
• Working knowledge of computer software (OneDrive, MS Word, Excel & PowerPoint, and Adobe Photoshop).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Incumbents in this class may be required to undergo periodic tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.

Working Conditions:

Incumbents in this class may be occasionally required to lift heavy objects such as standard laboratory equipment and/or trays/boxes or glassware; may be exposed to such hazards as broken glass, toxic vapors radioactive materials, and toxic or disease carrying substances.

SCHEDULE: Full-time, 35-40 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm with a 30-minute unpaid meal break. Some weekends may be required. The duration of this appointment will be approximately 12 months and may be less or continued based on need. Due to the special nature of this position, continuous employment cannot be guaranteed.

SALARY: The hourly rate for this position $26.00. This position is not eligible for benefits.