Research Assistant | Laboratory of Amyloid Biology

Organization Overview

The Laboratory of Amyloid Biology investigates the molecular mechanisms of amyloid filament formation and how these processes cause disease. Amyloid deposits are a defining feature of many neurodegenerative diseases and systemic amyloidoses, yet how these protein assemblies form, propagate, and contribute to tissue degeneration is unclear.

The lab bridges structural biology and neuroscience to investigate three closely related areas: 1) how proteins fold and assemble into amyloid filaments, 2) how these filaments propagate, and 3) how they disrupt cellular function and drive degeneration. Through this work, we aim to understand the molecular basis of amyloid diseases and inform future approaches to treatment.

Overview

The Research Assistant will support the establishment and day-to-day operations of a new research laboratory studying amyloid biology. Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will assist with laboratory and equipment setup, preparation of reagents and materials, and research using molecular cloning, protein purification, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, and electron microscopy.

The Research Assistant will receive hands-on training and mentorship in established protocols, maintain accurate research records and data, and help organize laboratory resources, including plasmids, reagents, protocols, and research data.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory research and provide experimental support
• Perform established experiments using molecular cloning, protein purification, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, and electron microscopy under the direct supervision of the Head of Laboratory. Prepare samples and materials, collect and organize experimental observations and results, and communicate progress and technical issues to the Head of Laboratory.
• Assist with laboratory setup and prepare reagents and equipment
• Assist with establishing the laboratory, including unpacking, assembling, arranging, and organizing laboratory equipment and workspaces. Learn to operate laboratory instruments and equipment and perform routine cleaning and maintenance as appropriate. Prepare standard laboratory reagents, solutions, buffers, culture media, agar plates, and other commonly used laboratory materials according to established procedures.
• Maintain data, records, and laboratory organization
• Maintain organized laboratory notebooks and electronic research records. Organize, label, store, and retrieve experimental data and research files according to laboratory procedures. Assist with establishing consistent systems for research data storage, file organization, naming conventions, and documentation.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested

Qualifications

• REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, neuroscience, molecular biology, or another relevant scientific field.
• At least one semester of hands-on laboratory experience through coursework, research, an internship, or employment.
• Ability to follow established experimental protocols carefully and accurately.
• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and organize experimental information.
• Ability to learn new laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures under supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Ability to work effectively under the direct supervision of the Head of Laboratory and to communicate experimental progress, observations, and problems clearly.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferably 1-2 years of prior hands-on laboratory research experience through research employment, undergraduate research, internships, or a combination of these experiences.
• Experience preparing laboratory reagents, solutions, buffers, culture media, or agar plates.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as AKTA and routine laboratory workflows.
• Experience with one or more of the following techniques: molecular cloning (including plasmid cloning), protein purification, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, electron microscopy, cell culture, or mouse handling.
• Demonstrated ability to work carefully and independently once trained, troubleshoot routine experimental problems, and ask questions when appropriate.
• The Rockefeller University is an equal opportunity employer – veterans/individuals with disabilities. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal law, including but not limited to disability and protected veteran status.
• The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory research and provide experimental support
• Perform established experiments using molecular cloning, protein purification, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, and electron microscopy under the direct supervision of the Head of Laboratory. Prepare samples and materials, collect and organize experimental observations and results, and communicate progress and technical issues to the Head of Laboratory.
• Assist with laboratory setup and prepare reagents and equipment
• Assist with establishing the laboratory, including unpacking, assembling, arranging, and organizing laboratory equipment and workspaces. Learn to operate laboratory instruments and equipment and perform routine cleaning and maintenance as appropriate. Prepare standard laboratory reagents, solutions, buffers, culture media, agar plates, and other commonly used laboratory materials according to established procedures.
• Maintain data, records, and laboratory organization
• Maintain organized laboratory notebooks and electronic research records. Organize, label, store, and retrieve experimental data and research files according to laboratory procedures. Assist with establishing consistent systems for research data storage, file organization, naming conventions, and documentation.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested

Qualifications

• REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, neuroscience, molecular biology, or another relevant scientific field.
• At least one semester of hands-on laboratory experience through coursework, research, an internship, or employment.
• Ability to follow established experimental protocols carefully and accurately.
• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and organize experimental information.
• Ability to learn new laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures under supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Ability to work effectively under the direct supervision of the Head of Laboratory and to communicate experimental progress, observations, and problems clearly.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferably 1-2 years of prior hands-on laboratory research experience through research employment, undergraduate research, internships, or a combination of these experiences.
• Experience preparing laboratory reagents, solutions, buffers, culture media, or agar plates.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as AKTA and routine laboratory workflows.
• Experience with one or more of the following techniques: molecular cloning (including plasmid cloning), protein purification, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, electron microscopy, cell culture, or mouse handling.
• Demonstrated ability to work carefully and independently once trained, troubleshoot routine experimental problems, and ask questions when appropriate.
• The Rockefeller University is an equal opportunity employer – veterans/individuals with disabilities. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal law, including but not limited to disability and protected veteran status.
• The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.