Assistant Research Specialist

The Organization

As an independent research organization, the Morgridge Institute for Research explores uncharted scientific territory to discover tomorrow’s cures. In affiliation with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we support researchers who take a fearless approach to advancing human health in emerging fields such as regenerative biology, metabolism, virology and medical engineering. Through public programming, we work to inspire scientific curiosity in everyday life.

Job Purpose

The Morgridge Institute for Research seeks an assistant research specialist to support research projects of the Spurgeon Lab within the Virology research focus area. The Spurgeon Lab seeks to understand the mechanisms by which small DNA tumor viruses interact with host cells in ways that lead to human cancer through the development and application of specialized tissue culture models and preclinical animal models. The Assistant Research Specialist will be responsible for assisting with studies involving, but not limited to, cell culture, molecular biology assays, xenografts, drug treatments, and tissue analysis. The Assistant Research Specialist will also assist with other studies in support of ongoing and new experiments. These tasks must be performed while adhering to all biosafety regulations and guidelines.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in new and ongoing cell culture-based assays (iPOND, organotypic rafts, etc)
• Operate laboratory equipment required for specific assays
• Prepare chemicals, reagents, and solutions for general laboratory use
• Assist with animal procedures (xenografts, drug treatments, tissue analysis)
• Compiling, analyzing, and documenting results from experimental data, and drawing conclusions from experimental results
• Maintain detailed and organized records of experimental design, variables, and results in an electronic lab notebook
• Clearly communicate research progress results to principal investigator and lab members
• Review laboratory methods manuals, scientific journals, abstracts, and other literature for information applicable to research experiments
• Keep up to date with biosafety and necessary research animal training
• Perform additional responsibilities as directed by the principal investigator

Requirements

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The ideal candidate will strive to perform each task exceptionally. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary duties.

Education And Experience

• Minimum bachelor's degree in virology, molecular biology, or a related discipline
• Exposure to laboratory research, molecular biology techniques, data analysis, and training in mammalian tissue culture is required

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required

• Strong background in biology and/or cancer biology
• Ability to plan, perform and interpret reproducible experiments
• Must have the ability to work both independently and as part of a dynamic research team
• Strong written and oral communication skills are essential
• Must have strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is normally performed in a wet laboratory environment
• Standing for long periods of time is required
• Limited physical effort is required
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk
• Occasional evening and weekend work