Job Overview

The Research Specialist 1 (RS1) - in a temporary role - provides critical scientific support in the skin biology research program in the laboratory of Dr. Dean Rosenthal, and is responsible for conducting basic laboratory research, performing technical aspects of assigned projects, developing lab protocols and procedures, ordering reagents and keeping track of reagents and lab materials, and helping in the training of other technical staff and students in the lab in certain technical skills.

As well, they assist the PIs with grant preparation, literature searches, slide preparations, research meetings, and other presentations.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Performs tests, assays, and protocols appropriate to the project, and follows standard protocols.
Administers day-to-day laboratory organization and procedures for management of assigned projects.
Performs immunohistochemical staining, computer- imaging and enumeration, protein / western blots and appropriate 2D and 3D cell culture and histological procedures, as well as CometChip assays.
Develops laboratory protocols and procedures, and investigates, evaluates, does background testing, and implements new and optimized protocols; problem solving and trouble-shooting.
Performs literature searches as needed
Provides data analyses and statistical evaluation.
Keep track of the experimental animals if any; animal care, treatments, measurements, imaging, dissection, preparation of tissues for protein/RNA analysis
Contributes to generation of high quality data for publications and for grant applications. Generate publication-quality data for ~two manuscripts per year.
Maintains or oversees the maintenance of laboratory supplies and inventory.
Ensures preventative maintenance and all necessary procedures are conducted to ensure that equipment is maintained in good operating conditions at all times.
Provides training for staff, students, and users for procedures and use of lab equipment.
Assumes other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the position and the goals of the laboratory.
Work Interactions

Reporting to Dr. Dean Rosenthal, Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, GUMC, the Research Specialist 1 works closely with Dr. Peter Sykora, PI, and Amelia Technologies, LLC.

Additionally, they assist with supervision of internship students and research volunteers assigned specific tasks and research objectives that can produce publication quality data for paper and grant submissions.

This position has been designated as On Campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.

Requirements and Qualifications

Master’s degree required in biology/biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, or biotechnology – preference for a Doctorate degree
One year of relevant experience in molecular biology/biochemistry and lab maintenance
Experience required in molecular biology such as RNA and DNA extraction, cloning, RT-PCR, qPCR, cellular biology, cell culture, transfection, transduction, immunostaining, protein extraction, immunoprecipitation, western blot, Comet assays, cell viability and apoptosis assays
Working knowledge and expertise in the operation and applications of equipment including brightfield and fluorescence microscopes, standard immunohistochemistry procedures, automated equipment for conducting assays and analysis, digital and other imaging technology, software and computer support for operations, and for other equipment in the laboratory including molecular biology procedures and equipment for DNA and RNA, PCR, gels, biochemical assays
Experience in use of mouse models and animal maintenance
Knowledge of biochemistry methods such as protein extraction, immunoprecipitation, western blot
Ability to work in a team environment
Strong organizational skills
Preferred Requirements and Qualifications

Expertise in DNA repair assays (CometChip assays), 3D cell culture, mouse xenografting and treatment (gavage) and small animal research
Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written, management and organization skills
Strong computer skills, expertise in imaging and graphic software, statistics, data analysis and ability to multitask; familiarity and ability to work with various laboratory equipment
Ability to produce publication quality data to assist in paper and grant submissions by PI
Computer skills with PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Photoshop