Job Abstract

The primary purpose of the Research Assistant I position is to coordinate, design, and carry out cancer research projects while following standard operating procedures for the laboratory. The focus of Thandapani laboratory is to study tRNA expression and the epitranscriptomic modifications in tRNA that regulate gene expression in normal hematopoiesis and malignant transformation. We had recently identified altered tRNA biogenesis as an indicator of tumor specific amino acid demand for protein synthesis in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04244-1).

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Research Experiments and Projects
Performs basic molecular biology and tissue culture techniques in manipulation of DNA, RNA. Will complete a wide array of experimental procedures including PCR, cloning of CRISPR libraries and performing CRISPR screens.

Molecular biology techniques
Assist in standard laboratory techniques (maintaining mammalian cells, growth assays, transfection and viral infection), nucleic acid extraction, molecular cloning, PCR analyses, immunoblotting.

Laboratory Maintenance
Organizes supplies for the laboratory. Maintain lab work area and lab equipment, monitoring it daily to ensure the lab operates safely, is clean, and all equipment is in good working order; understands correct operation of all lab equipment, and follows written instructions/operations manual.