Laboratory Assistant in Neuroscience

University Job Title
Laboratory Assistant 3

Bargaining Unit
L34 - Local 34 (Yale Union Group)

Time Type
Full time

Duration Type
Fixed

If Fixed Duration, Period
1 year from date of hire

If Fixed Duration, is continuation possible?
Yes

Other Fixed Duration Date
30-Sep-2020

Compensation Grade
Labor Grade C

Work Location
Medical School Campus

Worksite Address
295 Congress Avenue
New Haven, CT 06519

Work Week
Standard (M-F equal number of hours per day)

Searchable Job Family
Research Res Support, Research/Support

Total # of hours to be worked:

37.5

Position Focus:

Under the supervision of the principal investigator, the Laboratory Assistant will work on projects examining the organization, development, and function of the mouse neocortex. Research projects in the laboratory require colony maintenance and genotyping of relevant mouse lines, histological analyses of brain tissue, and the development, production, and use of recombinant genetic tools and viral vectors. Primary duties will include (1) the design and construction of DNA plasmids for in vivo mammalian expression and (2) the production of recombinant BL1 (adeno associated virus) and BL2 (lentivirus) viral vectors, in accordance with established protocols and bio-safety regulations. Additional duties will include: (1) Assist in monitoring, maintaining, and weaning mouse colony. (2) Perform basic and advanced tissue histology, including immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), followed by confocal microscopic analysis of tissue samples. (3) Assist with maintaining laboratory compliance with biological and chemical safety regulations. Coordinate the storage and disposal of hazardous wastes and ensure that it is in compliance with regulations. Ensure that laboratory bio-safety and other pertinent procedures and protocols are up to date. (4) Assist with inventory and maintenance of laboratory reagents, stocks, and supplies. Coordinate ordering of supplies by laboratory personnel. Assist in minor clerical tasks associated with research projects. Perform additional responsibilities incidental to laboratory activities.

Essential Duties

• Performs equipment maintenance and repair. Modifies and adjusts equipment and apparatus according to experiment and specifications.
• Creates instructional materials. Oversees and instructs support staff and students in laboratory techniques and equipment usage.
• Performs specialized scientific/laboratory procedures and techniques. Formulates scientific solutions and media.
• Maintains laboratory facilities and work areas. Orders supplies, equipment, and apparatus for laboratory experiments.
• Performs additional functions incidental to laboratory activities.

Required Education and Experience

Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Proficiency in molecular biology (plasmid construction via restriction and/or Gibson cloning).

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Ability to work independently, within a team, and under direct supervision.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Excellent written and spoken English. Excellent communication skills.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Dependability. Excellent attendance and punctuality.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

B.S. or M.S. degree in biology or related field preferred. Proficiency in histology, antibody staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and fluorescence/confocal microscopy is strongly preferred. One year experience in rodent handling is strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements
Ability to work around rodents (no allergies to rodents).

Weekend Hours Required?
Occasional

Evening Hours Required?
Occasional

Drug Screen
No

Health Screening
No

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. Please visit www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html for additional information on the background check requirements and process.

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

Affirmative Action Statement:

Yale University considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, at TitleIX@yale.edu, or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 8th Floor, Five Post Office Square, Boston MA 02109-3921. Telephone: 617.289.0111, Fax: 617.289.0150, TDD: 800.877.8339, or Email: ocr.boston@ed.gov.

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus