POSITION OBJECTIVE Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research work in the field of neurodegenerative diseases with the scope of research involving mouse models, cell culture, and molecular biology. The research assistant will support the research by testing genetic pathways critical for neurodegeneration or neuroprotection by performing mouse colony maintenance, breeding, genotyping, databasing, behavioral testing, and sterile surgical procedures. The position requires working with mice models. Other responsibilities include cell culture, tissue harvesting, immunological staining, Western blotting, and microscopy of tissues and cultured cells. This position will work with animals, specifically mice, including behavior, PCR genotyping, tagging, tattooing, and maintaining colonies. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  1. Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. Work closely with the principal investigator and other scientists in using cellular and molecular biology techniques, DNA analysis, PCR, western blotting, and cell/tissue staining, and microscopy (40%) 2. May supervise research assistants and technicians. Teach or instruct others in research techniques. Train new staff regarding mouse handling, tagging, genotyping, and updating the database (20%)  3. May co-author research projects. The research assistant will be involved in writing and submitting manuscripts (10%)  4. Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Perform PCR genotyping and tagging, and tattooing. Perform statistical analysis for research projects. (3%)  5. Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. Continuously assess and optimize experimental techniques by evaluating their effectiveness, testing new methods, and rigorously analyzing data using ImageJ, GraphPad, and microscopy data analyzers to ensure the highest quality research outcomes. (5%) 6. Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Write new, revised, or amended IACUC and/or Biosafety protocols in coordination with the principal investigator and other scientists. (12%) 7. Monitoring the lab budget, though infrequent, is part of the research assistants duties. This includes tracking expenses, ensuring budget alignment, and assisting with financial reporting as needed. (10%) NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%) CONTACTS  Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow. University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information. External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information. Students: Contact with student employees to exchange information. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY  May supervise research assistants and technicians. REQUIREMENTS  Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required. Education: Bachelors degree in science. REQUIRED SKILLS 1. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of protein biochemistry.  2. Ability to perform Western blotting, immunostaining, cell culture, cloning, protein purification and operate standard lab equipment.  3. Effective oral and written communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds within the department, school and university, and with individuals outside the university. 4. Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.  5. Ability to work effec