Research Assistant II

Dr. Ayako Makino’s laboratory seeks a skilled and motivated Research Assistant Step II to join our translational research team specializing in cardiovascular pathophysiology and vascular cell biology. Our research focuses on the pathogenic mechanisms of coronary vascular complications in Diabetes and Kawasaki Disease and pulmonary vascular pathobiology in Pulmonary Hypertension. The role of the candidate involves conducting diverse tasks crucial to supporting the lab's impactful research, encompassing multidimensional experiments and assays. The ideal candidate will demonstrate autonomy within the research team, utilizing extensive experience and sound judgment to strategize and achieve predefined objectives within research projects. Creativity and latitude are expected, along with a comprehensive understanding of our research topics, laboratory concepts, practices, and procedures. The incumbent must have skills to conduct cardiovascular physiological experiments (i.e., isometric tension experiment, coronary flow velocity reserve, RVSP/LVSP measurements, generating ischemia/reperfusion mouse models) or cell physiological experiments (e.g., ROS, NOS, cytosolic Ca2+ measurement, gap junction assessment) in addition to basic molecular biological experiments (i.e., Western Blot, PCR, qPCR).  Additionally, the role involves troubleshooting technical issues, analyzing data, and contributing to the efficient functioning of the lab to facilitate high-quality scientific outcomes.

• Conduct cardiovascular physiological experiments encompassing isometric tension experiments, coronary flow velocity reserve assessment, RVSP/LVSP measurements, and generating ischemia/reperfusion mouse models.

• Perform electrophysiological experiments using isolated vascular cells from mice, including the assessment of the intracellular, mitochondrial, and ER Ca2+ concentration, ROS production (i.e., O -, NO), cell migration, proliferation, apoptosis, and gap junction activity.

• Coordinate with other investigators for lab research, including maintaining the function of lab equipment, managing the lab research record (including methodological approaches and animal protocols), and maintaining transgenic mouse colony.

• Data acquisition and analysis, grant and manuscript preparation, and presentation of findings at weekly lab meetings.

• Provide hands-on mentorship and training to visiting scholars, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, guiding them through the design and implementation of molecular biological experiments.

$50,000-$56,000. 

A bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of experience; a masters degree and two or more years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Theoretical and working knowledge in cardiovascular physiology, including isometric tension experiments, coronary flow velocity reserve assessment, RVSP/LVSP measurements, and generating ischemia/reperfusion mouse models.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct electrophysiological experiments, including the assessment of the intracellular, mitochondrial, and ER Ca²⁺ concentration, ROS production (i.e., O ^-, NO), cell migration, proliferation, apoptosis, and gap junction activity.
• Aseptic techniques for cell culture.
• Demonstrated skill in working with animals and human tissues.
• Demonstrated experience managing mouse colony maintenance. 
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to experimental design, analysis, interpretation of the results, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated experience assisting with writing scientific manuscripts and contributing to teamwork in physiological and molecular biological experiments.
• Demonstrated effective time management skills to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of the following specialized programs: SnapGene, GraphPad, EndNote, and MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint.
• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Please click on the link to learn more about The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute and its benefits.

Please provide names and email addresses of three to five references as part of the application process. When ready, the hiring department will contact the listed references via email requesting their reference letters to be uploaded directly to the application website.

This position is open until filled.  Application review will begin on November 14, 2024. 

This position is time-limited.