POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, coordinate major activities in medical and related technical areas. This includes performing transcriptomic analyses for a wide range of projects involving human immunodeficiency virus infections, including analyses of patient cells from PBMCs and ex vivo infected cell models of primary T-cells and iPSC-derived microglial cells. The research assistant will perform single-cell capture and library preparation using BD Rhapsody or a similar single-cell platform (scRNAseq, ABseq, scATACseq). The research assistant will also perform HIV viral reservoir analyses using ddPCR and qPCR as part of several inter-institutional and international collaborations and apply new methods for sequencing and analyzing proviral genomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provide input and recommendations to the principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. This includes methods for multi-omic analyses of cells and new methods to detect and sequence HIV RNA and proviral DNA. May supervise research assistants and technicians. (10%)
2. Coordinate major laboratory/ research activities. This requires performing experiments using molecular biology technologies, single-cell transcriptomics, and bioinformatics using primary cell models. Perform HIV viral reservoir analyses using ddPCR and qPCR as part of several inter-institutional and international collaborations and apply new methods for sequencing and analyzing proviral genomes. (35%)
3. Co-author research projects. Maintain detailed laboratory records, prepare figures, prepare data for deposition by NIH data-sharing policies, and assist in writing related to experiments. (15%)
4. Perform the most complex quantitative analytical procedures. This will include data and bioinformatic analyses using R or Python-based programs. Calculations of proviral and HIV RNA levels and how these correlate with independent parameters (10%) 
5. Teach or instruct others in research techniques. May supervise research assistants and technicians. This will primarily involve the creation of validated laboratory SOPs and protocols for technology transfer to collaborators In Uganda and elsewhere in the US (10%) 
6. Assist in developing procedures and coordinate information with others as needed. We have an extensive network of multi-investigator grants, the Martin Delaney Collaboratory, and the Center for AIDS Research working on the analysis of HIV reservoirs as part of the national HIV Cure effort. All of these efforts require reservoir analyses by transcriptomics and PCR methods.  Develop CLIA-certified protocols for reservoir analyses. This is the regulatory standard for assays used for clinical purposes and requires extensive protocol validation, the establishment of rigorous SOPs, and regulatory approval. (10%)

7. Work closely with the principal investigator. This includes regular individual meetings every three weeks and many additional ad hoc meetings with project team members to discuss priorities, goals, experimental design, data management, data analysis strategy, and interpretation of results. Participate in general laboratory meetings and read applicable literature. (5%)

    

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Perform other duties as assigned, including ordering supplies, monitoring expenses on individual projects, and organizing repair and maintenance of equipment required for the projects. (5%)

CONTACTS 

Department: Continuous contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow. Daily contact with laboratory members, including Research Scientists, Research Associates, Research Assistants, Postdoctoral Fellows. This includes active participation in the weekly laboratory meetings.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to