POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision the Research Assistant 2 will conduct projects within the aims of the laboratory's focus on the role of vitamin A and carotenoids in the functioning and maintenance of the retina and the adjacent retina pigment epithelium. The objectives of the research are to understand how ocular carotenoid homeostasis is maintained and regulated. Additionally, the role of carotenoids in the protection against abiotic stress will be studied in cell lines. The research assistant will utilize general molecular biology, cell culture, and biochemistry techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry in this research project. Additionally, lipid extraction and HPLC analysis of carotenoids and retinoids will be part of the projects. The research assistant will keep the principal investigator informed of the progress of the research project and discuss the experimental design and project plans with the principal investigator. The research assistant will also keep meticulous records of the generated data. This is a part-time, temporary position working 20 hours per week for one year.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans which include maintaining plasmid stocks and expressing proteins of carotenoid metabolism in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. To provide management data and to plan and conduct experiments. To closely work with the principal investigator and other laboratory personnel to ensure the smooth operation of the protein expression and chromatographic operations (HPLC and FPLC) of the laboratory. (20%)
2. Perform general molecular biology, cell culture and biochemistry techniques, including transformation, DNA/RNA isolation, cloning, mutagenesis of proteins, transfection, PCR, RT-PCR, maintenance of cell lines, HPLC, bioassays, protein purification according to developed methods, cryo-sections and immuno-histochemistry. (20%)
3. Performing experiments that enzymatically and biochemically characterize enzymes BCO1 and BCO2. (15%)
4. Performing cell culture experiments that pertain to carotenoid metabolism and homeostasis. (10%)
5. Collect and analyze data. Interpret data from individual experiments, develop an analysis, and discuss the results as they relate to the larger sets of experiments. May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures, of experimental protocols, this will involve troubleshooting and modifying experimental protocols as needed with supervisory input. (10%)

6. Maintaining laboratory infrastructure and laboratory records. Make inventory lists of reagents produced in the lab. (10%)

    

NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

1. Assist in issues related to the research as needed, including the performance of additional assays, and maintain the lab records. Train new staff; direct the work of students in lab protocols and provide help as needed in other areas. (5%)
2. Participate in laboratory meetings and journal clubs. It is also expected to attend weekly departmental and Vision Research Community seminars.  Participation in the annual departmental retreat is required. (5%)

3. Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

    

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with the principal investigator and others in the lab. Contact with other members of the Department as needed.

University: Occasional contact with other research areas or administrative offices as needed.

External: Occasional contact as needed for ordering information and follow-up, technical representatives, etc.

Students: Frequent contact with students working in the laboratory and in the Department.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICAITONS

Education and