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Job Description:
JOB SUMMARY:
Parsons Corporation is seeking a Research Assistant to provide technical laboratory support and assistance in support of surgical, molecular and cell biology research endeavors involving acute traumatic care. Parsons provides scientific, technical, and programmatic support services to Naval Medical Research Center located in Silver Spring, MD. The position is in the Enroute & Critical Care Department of Neurotrauma of the Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate. The incumbent's daily duties will include tasks that are accomplished in a general research laboratory work environment and in a surgical operating room setting in accordance with IACUC-approved protocols and the Guide for the Care and Use of Experimental Animals. Assignments will be performed under close supervision with the goal of enhancing the incumbent's knowledge and skills to perform more difficult assignments with greater independence at the next higher performance level.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Conduct a variety of laboratory techniques to include preparative centrifugation, DNA/RNA extractions, Agarose gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, RT-PCR, ELISA, Luminex and MSD assays, cell culture, and preparation of test solutions/agents, animal handling and administration of medications/drugs.
• Assist in managing the logistical operation of large and small animal protocols to include including but not limited to scheduling surgical procedures, preparation of the operating room, procurement and preparation of all medication and compounds, ordering of supplies and research animals.
• Carry out animal-based experimental research including surgical techniques, pre- and post-operative care, monitor vital signs, administration of medications/test agents, serum and tissue collections, euthanasia, and post-mortem tissue collections.
• Emergency/critical and post-operative care procedures including wound management. Provide direct support for monitoring and recovery of anesthetized animals.
• Maintains detailed animal medical records for projects involving animal utilization, work with Investigators to format/archive records, data, and results into searchable electronic formats.
• Maintain well organized and detailed surgical records to include peri-operative and post-operative health records.
• Collect research samples, ensure integrity of specimens, collection methodology.
• Analyze samples and interpret results, compile information and results into meaningful formats.
• Maintain detailed records of experimental data and outcomes for analysis.
• Monitor inventory of laboratory and surgical supplies and order as needed.
• Assure laboratory and surgical suites are adequately stocked with reagents and supplies and prepare solutions/medications and test reagents for experiments.
• Laboratory management responsibilities include routine maintenance of laboratory equipment; managing scheduling of commonly used spaces and equipment; and general upkeep of lab spaces.
• Assist with data analysis and presentation.
• Assist with manuscript drafting for publication and presentations.
• Present data at laboratory meetings.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in a clinical, health, animal sciences, or life sciences field; or American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Certification (LAT or LATG); or Registered Veterinary Technician license (LVT, RVT or CVT).
• Working knowledge of laboratory practices, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience handling and administering medications/drugs to small (rodents) and large (including swine and non-human primates) animals.
• Experience working in laboratory environment including preparation of animal specimens, chemicals, reagents, and test solutions.
• Familiarity with cellular and molecular biology based and recombinant DNA techniques including, PCR, ELISA, DNA/RNA extractions, LUMINEX, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot and cell culture-based assays.
• Familiarity with operating room and diagnostic laboratory instruments and equipment to perform tests, analyses, and laboratory procedures.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis and image analysis programs.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, Power Point).
• Ability to work as a member of a team (veterinarians, pathologists, core lab personnel and surgical residents).
• Ability to work independently and proactively with limited supervision.
• Capability for long periods of standing and sitting; intricate work with hands; handling of specimens and chemicals; and ability to lift at least 50 lbs.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
At least one year experience in veterinary research, technology, or medicine.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Research laboratories requiring the use of special safety precautions (e.g., lab coats, eye protections, ventilated hoods, gloves, and face masks).
May involve working with biohazards.
May require working early mornings, evenings and weekends.
Minimum Clearance Required to Start:
Not Applicable/None
This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.
Our Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our diverse, intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.
Salary Range:
$21.44 - $37.55
We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!
Parsons is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace. Diversity is ingrained in who we are, how we do business, and is one of our company's core values. Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels for minority, female, disabled, protected veteran and LGBTQ .
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!