Preclinical Laboratory Research Assistant

SUMMARY

Engage in all aspects of original scientific research, including assessing behavior, pathophysiology, molecular mechanisms, and laboratory maintenance. Integrate existing scientific literature, apply appropriate research methods, data collection, data management, and statistical data analysis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop research proposals aligned with the military medical mission of Blast Induced Neurotrauma (BINT).
• Prepare written animal use and/or human subject protocols for funded projects.
• Navigate the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Human Use Review Committee (HURC) for protocol approval.
• Draft original research protocols and address committee concerns during reviews.
• Conduct literature reviews and develop summary reports of existing scientific literature.
• Routinely review scientific literature relevant to ongoing research in blast traumatic brain injury and polytrauma.
• Design and coordinate experiments.
• Direct research staff (e.g., post-doctoral fellows, research associates, and assistants) and collaborators in executing experiments.
• Provide insights into experimental objectives and techniques.
• Provide expertise and guidance in traumatic brain injury and polytrauma.
• Perform complex tasks and develop new technical methods for neuroscience, injury, and blast research.
• Assess physiological and neurosensory function and neurobehavior.
• Perform routine and specialized surgical procedures with animal experimental subjects.
• Employ aseptic surgical procedures, including stereotaxic cannulation surgery, microinjection of dyes, and surgical implantation of probes.
• Evaluate neuroprotective pharmacological therapies using behavioral, physiological, histopathological, and neurochemical outcome measures.
• Conduct tests such as electroretinography, Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE), eye-tracking, Morris water maze, rotarod, novel object recognition, elevated plus maze, monitoring weight and temperature, cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular evaluations, righting reflex, EEG recording of seizure and sleep, necropsy, and tissue sample collection procedures.
• Perform quantitative analytical assessments of molecular and cellular mediators underlying responses to stressors, injury, and countermeasures.
• Utilize techniques such as immunohistochemistry, proteomics, lipidomics, mRNA, miRNA, microarray protein analysis, quantitative PCR, Western blot, multiplex assays, and ELISA.
• Prepare tissue for light microscopy and assess histopathological features of injuries to lung, brain, and neurosensory systems.
• Use microscope software applications like Image-Pro Premier and data organization tools like Microsoft Excel.
• Perform laboratory-based actions associated with radiofrequency engineering and related equipment.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience.
• Experience in a laboratory setting, preferably in preclinical research.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for animal and human research.
• Must obtain and maintain any necessary security access and/or background checks.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Experience with animal handling and surgical procedures is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

WORK SCHEDULE 

Full-time. May be required to work additional hours as needed to complete assignment or project.

TRAVEL

None.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in a clinic setting. Employee will be exposed to a wide variety of clients in differing functions, personalities, and abilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Be capable of lifting and moving of equipment weighting up to 30 pounds and withstand prolonged periods of bending, reaching, moving about, or standing. Moderate to extended periods of office work with heavy periods of computer usage. It is Katmai’s business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Salary Range: $67,000 - $73,000 per year
• Eligible Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Savings Plan, Life and AD&D Insurance, Voluntary Long-Term & Short-Term Disability Insurance, Prescription Drug Coverage, Leave of Absence, Pet Insurance Coverage, PTO, 11 Paid Federal Holidays, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Compliance:

To be considered for this position, all applicants must apply on the company website,  https://katmaicorp.com/life-at-katmai/

We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, familial status or any other characteristic protected by law. https://katmaicorp.com/life-at-katmai/#equal_opportunity Preference will be given to Ouzinkie Shareholders, Descendants of Shareholders and Spouses of Shareholders in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g) and Title 42 U.S. Code 2000e - 2(i).

Executive Order 11246, as amended, protects applicants and employees from discrimination based on inquiring about, disclosing, or discussing their compensation or the compensation of other applicants or employees