GW’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine (MITM) conducts innovative, fundamental, basic and translational research for HIV/AIDS and neglected tropical diseases. MITM has a strong tradition of training and policy advocacy for these infectious and parasitic diseases, which initiate and perpetuate poverty and suffering worldwide. Additional information on MITM can be found at the following link: http://smhs.gwu.edu/microbiology/

MITM is searching for a full-time Laboratory Technician, MITM for Dr. Maggirwar’s laboratory. Dr. Maggirwar’s laboratory focuses on the vascular complications associated with HIV-1 infection. Our goal is to use the immune cells isolated from the blood samples derived from laboratory animals and HIV-infected/non-infected control individuals to study the role of platelets in modulating immune response in HIV-1 pathogenesis in context to viral persistence, cardiovascular disorders and cerebral small vessel diseases.

This position will be responsible for performing experiments in a biomedical research laboratory and contributing to general maintenance of the laboratory, equipment and supplies. The individual will conduct experiments under the direct supervision of a postdoctoral fellow and will also receive mentoring and direct guidance from Dr. Maggirwar in order to advance his/her career in academic research.

Responsibilities include:
-Provides technical assistance to undergraduate students, PhD students, postdoctoral scientists, and other members of the lab.
-Plans and schedules experiments consistent with the timeline and objectives of ongoing research projects.
-Optimizes, develops, qualifies, and executes the following assays: immunohistochemical staining of animal tissues, basic tissue culture, PCR, quantitative RT-PCR, western blots, ELISA, viral preps and flow cytometry.
-Collects blood samples, and isolates platelets and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) via density gradient centrifugation using Ficoll reagent, cryopreserve PBMCs.
-Provides general maintenance of the laboratory. Maintains Good Laboratory Practice, complies with biosafety guidelines, keeps inspection records, and generates SOPs and reports.
-Maintains and troubleshoots laboratory equipment.
-Participates in group meetings and presents data.
-Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

The incumbent is expected to work well as part of a team and have enthusiasm for the practice of science.

Qualified candidates will hold a high school diploma/GED plus 1.5 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

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