Laboratory Research Assistant, Center for Disparities, Obesity and Metabolism (CDDOM)

The UA Center for Disparities in Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism (CDDOM) is seeking to hire a Laboratory Research Assistant to join our team. The laboratory research assistant will work within CDDOM's biorepository unit to process samples and tissue for long-term storage, including sample labeling and cataloging within our sample management database. In addition, this position will assist in the laboratory research unit to run assays/elisa's on samples, as well as conducting additional lab techniques on samples such as performing dna extractions and PBMC isolations.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Laboratory Responsibilities:

1. Process all biospecimen samples based on established protocols in wet lab and prepare for cryo storage including, but not limited to:
   -Operating laboratory instruments such as centrifuge to spin biospecimen samples
   -Pipetting biospecimen samples to transfer samples into aliquots for long term storage
   -Preparing tissue samples for cryopreservation
2. Complete work sheet logs on each set of samples being processed for proper record keeping and quality assurance.
3. Be available for Saturdays and possibly some evenings for emergency sample processing.
4. Running assays/elisa's on samples to obtain additional data such as insulin or c-peptides, as well as perform other sample processing techniques such as DNA extractions and PBMCs isolations.

• Sample Cataloging, storage, and management :

1. Printing vial and aliquot labels to properly lab and register (catalog) samples into our database sample management system: Open specimen.
2. Properly labeling samples and storing in designated locations for long-term storage.
3. Run queries in database for sample tracking, management, and verification of proper storage.
4. Develop sample manifest (queries) based on request to pull samples and transfer/ship samples based on approved request.

• Administration/ General:

1. Maintain inventory on laboratory supplies and assist with ordering supplies.
2. Be on-call on a rotating basis with other team members in case of freezer issues and emergencies.
3. Provide research administrative support including coordinating sample schedules, handling sample intake (sample drop offs), maintaining records and files.
4. Provide recommendations on protocols and procedures.
5. Perform miscellaneous lab work needed to keep the lab operational.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong organization skills and significant attention to detail for data entry and following established protocols.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team, resolving issues with a positive outcome.
• High level of integrity, ethics and professionalism and handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong communication and computer skills.

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Prior experience in a wet lab, following established protocols, utilizing laboratory equipment such as: centrifuges, -80 freezers, working with liquid nitrogen, storage dewers, data entry, pipettes, etc., and properly documenting work in the lab.

Alexis Soto, alexiss1@arizona.edu