Careers

Research Assistant – Brachova-Alvarez Laboratory 

The Brachova-Alvarez Laboratory is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join our interdisciplinary team investigating the molecular mechanisms of ovarian aging and female reproductive biology. Our research integrates cutting-edge molecular, cellular, and computational approaches to understand how RNA processing, mitochondrial function, and ovarian cell composition contribute to reproductive lifespan and fertility.

Position Overview

The Research Associate will initially focus on laboratory organization (70%), including inventorying equipment and supplies, developing standard operating procedures for the electronic lab notebook, ordering supplies, and maintaining a clean laboratory environment. They will also spend 20% of their time on animal husbandry, caring for and monitoring laboratory animals, and 10% on molecular biology tasks. After the laboratory is fully organized, the role will transition to 40% laboratory organization/ordering/cleaning, 20% animal husbandry, and 40% molecular biology work.

The Research Assistant will contribute to NIH- and foundation-funded projects focused on:

• Ovarian follicle development during the estrous phases and during aging.
• Alternative splicing and RNA isoform regulation in oocytes and granulosa cells.
• Mitochondrial complex I dysfunction and its impact on ovarian function.
• Application of advanced multi-omics approaches, including long-read direct RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA-seq, and spatial transcriptomics.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology experiments (PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and other standard techniques), analyze results, and maintain laboratory documentation.
  
• Provide animal husbandry, and monitoring laboratory animals, and maintaining appropriate records.
  
• Manage laboratory organization including inventorying equipment and supplies, developing standard operating procedures for the electronic lab notebook, ordering supplies, and maintaining a clean laboratory environment
• Perform oocyte and embryo culture, tissue culture, and dissections.
  Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Molecular/Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or related field (required).

• 0-2 years of laboratory experience including animal husbandry and molecular biology techniques.

• Experience with laboratory organization, inventory management, and ordering supplies; proficiency in animal care and husbandry; knowledge of molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, and gel electrophoresis; ability to maintain accurate records and electronic lab notebooks; strong organizational and communication skills.

Opportunities

This position provides excellent training for candidates interested in pursuing graduate or medical education. Research Assistants in our lab gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art genomics, transcriptomics, and reproductive biology techniques, and are encouraged to participate in publications and presentations.

This position is being filled through the Research Foundation, which is a separate entity from Old Dominion University (ODU). While we work in support of ODU, the Research Foundation operates independently and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

To apply:
Visit http://researchfoundation.odu.edu/ then click on the “Employment” tab and follow the link to “Apply” Specify position #25-059.

The organization is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer (AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug-Free Workplace). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions — including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, and promotion — are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Affirmative action efforts are conducted consistent with applicable laws to promote equal opportunity in employment and advancement.