Research Assistant

SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Sr. Research Assistant performs microbiological susceptibility studies to evaluate unique, synthetic beta-lactam designed compounds in support of pre-screened compounds delivered from the Collaborator’s laboratory.  Research literature to assist in the design of new experimental protocols if needed for further evaluation of the most active compounds.  May assist in writing up research results for publication.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:

Instill Trust and Value Differences
Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Primary responsibilities include the susceptibility testing of unique, synthetic fragment-linked beta lactams in support of the grant.  Disk diffusion assays and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) micro-broth dilution assays will be initially used to evaluate compounds with Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms.
• Compiles and shares all susceptibility data including agar plate images, zones of inhibition, and MIC values with the Investigator and Collaborator’s laboratory in a timely manner.
• Attends weekly laboratory meetings to discuss ongoing work progress.
• Explores additional experiments that may offer more in-depth impacts of the compounds that may include specific penicillin-binding protein experiments with bacterial membrane proteins using Bocillin FL.
• May perform Western Blot Analysis to confirm protein expression of synthetic genes used for analysis of the impact of amino acid mutations in penicillin binding proteins on susceptibility to antibiotics.  Preparation of biological samples for Western blots including protein concentration analysis and familiarity with running SDS-PAGE gels.
• Familiar with SnapGene or similar cloning, primer design and sequence analysis software.
• Maintain stocks of laboratory materials, supplies and reagents plus equipment upkeep for experimental use and research. 
• Perform annual Chemical Inventory and Air Pollution Inventory updates for Environmental Health and Safety Dept.
• Use of autoclave, Chemidoc Imager, plate reader, and NanoDrop equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

Completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree .Requires a working knowledge of statistics, computer programming and research methodology.


EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 2 years of research experience.  Data entry skills and PC experience required.


WORK ENVIRONMENT AND; PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:



Works in a laboratory environment with possible exposure to human and animal serum, chemical reagents, animal subjects and or radioactive materials. Hazards are minimized with adherence to established safety protocols.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

Pay Range:

$41,537.60-$68,556.80

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type:

M-F 8:00am-4:30pm

Work Shift:

Day

Daily Hours: 

8 hours

Driving Required:

No