Student Research Assistant - Perera Lab
Job Description
The Perera laboratory housed within the Center for Vector-borne Infectious Disease on the foothills campus focuses on mosquito-borne viral diseases, including those caused by Zika, dengue, and Chikungunya viruses. The research focus of the laboratory is to identify and characterize virus-host interaction and response of the host metabolism. The Perera lab utilizes liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to study in vitro and in vivo metabolism in both the mosquito vector and human host.
This position is for a Student Research Assistant who will support LC-MS-based metabolomics studies, as well as maintain inventory, labeling and organization of mass spectrometry standards and clinical samples. The Student Research Assistant will gain experience in metabolism of infectious diseases by relating principles of virology, biology, and chemistry, and will learn how to measure the metabolome using analytical chemistry techniques and technologies.
This position is for a Student Research Assistant I. Positions apply established, standard guidelines that cover work situations and alternatives.
These duties include:
• sample preparation for LC-MS-based analyses
• prepare chemical standard mixtures and perform dilutions
• learn and employ analytical chemistry techniques
• learn and employ practical maintenance and troubleshooting of LC-MS systems
• chemical inventory and organization
• inventory, barcoding and organization of clinical samples
A keen attention to detail and high level of organization are required of the individual.
Minimum Qualifications: Refined pipetting skills are necessary to meet the accuracy and precision requirements of quantitative analytical chemistry. Must have flexible working hours to accommodate laboratory needs. Completion of all Biosafety Level 2 and blood-borne pathogens training will be required. The candidate must have a car since the laboratory is on the foothills campus and some experiments will be conducted on CSU main campus. Candidate must have excellent communication skills.
Hourly Pay Rate: $15
Number of Openings: 2
Benefits Information: Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website: https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/.
Work study disclaimer: "This is a work-study position, students must have or be able to obtain work-study before starting employment. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid with questions and eligibility."
Start Date: Immediately
Colorado State University may conduct background checks on all final candidates.