The Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank in the Department of Biology seeks to hire a Research Assistant to join the production lab team. This individual will assist in the generation of monoclonal antibody products and help maintain the collection of hybridoma cell lines that produce them. They will also generate recombinant antibodies through the process of transient transfection of mammalian cell lines, as well as participate in the fulfillment of orders for antibody products and hybridoma cell lines.
Key Responsibilities
Participate in the production, maintenance, quality control and distribution of antibody products and hybridoma cell lines for the DSHB.
Collaborate with the DSHB Production Lab manager and staff to develop/improve new production methods.
Read and review articles and critically analyze literature to investigate new production methods and develop new research techniques.
Fill and package DSHB orders for antibody products and frozen and growing hybridoma cell lines.
Maintain the DSHB collection of over 5,000 hybridoma cell lines through cell culturing, screens, ELISAs and western blots; maintain required records. Harvest and quantify hybridoma supernatants, make antibody concentrates, bioreactor supernatants and other cell products. With the production lab manager, design and implement product quality controls.
Produce rabbit monoclonal antibodies by established methods, including, but not limited to, DNA plasmid preparation and transient transfection of HEK 293 cell lines.
Perform quality control testing of monoclonal antibodies using standard protocols including, but not limited to, immunostaining, western blotting, ELISA and antibody purification.
Perform basic and complex procedures to maintain and produce the cell product inventory for the DSHB; monitor inventory and make decisions independently regarding the production of new stocks.
Maintain product inventory. Collect and track data, perform data entry for reports. Maintain records. Prepare materials and data for reports. Analyze inventory data. Prepare cost analyses for new products, production methods, and special service contracts.
Assist with the updating, maintenance, and completion of required laboratory and safety protocols for submission to the appropriate agency. Maintain inventory records for UI auditor annual reports.
Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of DSHB Production Lab equipment.
Assist with the procurement of supplies and materials.
Assist in the use of an automated aliquoting system to prepare antibody products for packaging.
Coordinate the daily fulfillment of DSHB orders for hybridoma cells and cell products.
Assist in training students and new lab personnel on cell maintenance techniques and laboratory protocols.
May participate in hiring staff and managing the performance of staff to assure staff is compliant with UI policies and procedures.
For a full job description or questions about this position, please send an email to brian-berger@uiowa.edu.
Education Required
A bachelor's degree in biology or an equivalent combination of related education and progressively responsible work experience.
Required Qualifications
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with colleagues and the research public.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required setting up laboratory experiments, tending stocks or handling emergency situations.
Proficient internet and computer skills; ability to learn new production/inventory software.
Desired Qualifications
Experience at the level typically associated with six months to one year of related research or equivalent lab experience.
Experience in cell culture techniques.
Experience in transformation of plasmid DNA into E. coli and preparation of plasmid DNA from culture.
Position and Application Details
For additional job details and to apply please visit https://jobs.uiowa.edu/ and access requisition #24002974.
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission.
Resume
Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States.
For additional questions, please contact: brian-berger@uiowa.edu.
