Research Associate

George Washington University - Washington, DC

Part-time,Full-time - Entry Level

Washington, DC

Educational Services

About the position

The laboratory of Dr. David Watkins is seeking a dedicated Research Associate to contribute to the development and efficacy testing of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutic drugs targeting viruses and other diseases, including cancers. The Watkins lab is renowned for its focus on understanding the immune response to various viruses and routinely works with BSL2 pathogens such as HIV/SIV, Dengue, Zika, and Yellow Fever. Additionally, the lab conducts research under BSL3 conditions to handle more dangerous pathogens, including Coronaviruses and influenza. This research support position is designed for an individual who can independently carry out research and development activities by designing and conducting experiments in a controlled laboratory environment, under the general guidance of the Principal Investigator or their designee. In this role, the Research Associate will utilize a degree of creativity and autonomy to perform essential tasks such as data collection, administration of experimental procedures, and making detailed observations. The position requires analyzing data and interpreting results, compiling findings, and preparing technical reports and documentation of outcomes. The Research Associate will also assist in preparing results for publication, contributing to the lab's overall research output. The role encompasses a variety of experiments, including but not limited to cell culture maintenance, cell preparation from animal tissues, bacterial cloning, plasmid preparation, PCR, protein purification, and flow cytometry analysis. The responsibilities of the Research Associate include performing mammalian cell culture and bacterial DNA preparations, processing animal blood into various components for use in immunological techniques, and independently researching topics prior to review by senior scientists. The individual will plan and schedule experiments in alignment with the objectives and timelines of ongoing research projects, aid research scientists with their daily experiments, and assist in the preparation of manuscripts and grants. The position may also involve other duties as assigned, with the understanding that the omission of specific tasks does not preclude the supervisor from assigning related responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Performs mammalian cell culture and bacterial DNA preps.
• Processes animal blood into different components and uses them in immunological techniques.
• Works independently and researches topics on their own, prior to review by senior scientists.
• Plans and schedules experiments consistent with the timeline and objectives of ongoing research projects.
• Aids research scientists within the laboratory with their day-to-day experiments.
• Assists in the preparation of manuscripts and grants.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a related discipline.
• 1 year of experience in a related field.

Nice-to-haves

• Skills in immunology-based techniques like flow cytometry, ELISA, and bacterial cloning.
• Experience in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, and virology.