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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Virology Assistant

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

ScienceResearchBiotechnologyLaboratoryHealthcare

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly motivated and detail-oriented Virology Assistant to join our dynamic research and development team. In this pivotal laboratory-based role, you will provide critical technical support to our ongoing virology projects, focusing on the study of viral pathogens and the development of antiviral therapies or vaccines. You will be instrumental in the day-to-day execution of experiments, maintenance of essential lab resources, and meticulous documentation of scientific data. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for a budding scientist to gain hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art facility and contribute directly to impactful scientific discoveries.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recent Graduate (B.S. or M.S. in a relevant biological science)
  • Research Technician or Laboratory Technician
  • Quality Control Analyst (with biological focus)

Advancement To:

  • Research Associate I / II
  • Scientist I / Virologist I
  • Senior Laboratory Manager
  • Pursuit of a Ph.D. or other advanced degree

Lateral Moves:

  • Molecular Biology Specialist
  • Cell Culture Associate
  • Quality Assurance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform and maintain mammalian and/or insect cell cultures using strict aseptic techniques, including cell line expansion, passaging, cryopreservation, and thawing.
  • Execute viral propagation, including infecting cell monolayers or suspension cultures to generate high-titer virus stocks for downstream experiments.
  • Conduct a variety of virus titration and quantification assays, such as plaque assays, TCID50 (50% Tissue Culture Infectious Dose), and focus-forming assays (FFA).
  • Isolate and purify viral particles from cell culture supernatants or infected tissues using techniques like ultracentrifugation, chromatography, and filtration.
  • Perform nucleic acid extractions (DNA and RNA) from various sample types, including cultured cells, viral stocks, and clinical specimens, ensuring high purity and yield.
  • Execute molecular biology assays, including conventional PCR, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) to detect and quantify viral genomes.
  • Conduct a range of immunoassays such as ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and Western blotting to detect viral antigens or host-cell protein expression.
  • Assist in the development, optimization, and validation of novel virological and immunological assays under the guidance of senior scientific staff.
  • Perform virus neutralization assays to evaluate the efficacy of antibodies, antiviral compounds, or vaccine-induced immune responses.
  • Prepare and transfect cells with plasmid DNA or viral vectors to support studies on viral replication and gene function.
  • Meticulously document all experimental procedures, raw data, and results in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) in accordance with established laboratory protocols.
  • Analyze experimental data using software such as GraphPad Prism, Excel, or other statistical tools, and assist in the preparation of graphs and figures for presentations.
  • Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot essential laboratory equipment, including biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, and microscopes.
  • Prepare, sterilize, and manage laboratory reagents, media, buffers, and solutions required for daily experimental workflows.
  • Manage laboratory inventory, including ordering and receiving supplies and reagents to ensure the seamless continuation of research activities.
  • Adhere strictly to all safety protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly those concerning BSL-2/BSL-3 environments and hazardous material handling.
  • Assist in the generation of technical reports, study summaries, and data presentations for internal lab meetings and project reviews.
  • Operate and maintain flow cytometers for the analysis of cell surface markers, intracellular proteins, and cell health post-infection.
  • Perform microscopy and imaging techniques, including immunofluorescence staining, to visualize viral infection and cellular responses.
  • Support in vivo studies by assisting with sample collection, processing, and analysis as directed by the project lead.

Secondary Functions

  • Contribute to general laboratory organization and cleanliness to ensure a safe, efficient, and compliant working environment.
  • Assist in training and mentoring junior technicians or interns on standard laboratory techniques and protocols.
  • Participate actively in weekly team meetings and scientific discussions, presenting data and contributing to experimental design.
  • Support the preparation of scientific manuscripts and grant proposals by compiling data, generating figures, and editing text.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Aseptic Cell Culture: Proficiency in maintaining, passaging, and cryopreserving mammalian cell lines (e.g., Vero, HEK293, A549).
  • Virological Assays: Hands-on experience with virus stock generation, plaque assays, and/or TCID50 assays.
  • Molecular Biology Techniques: Competency in PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and nucleic acid extraction (DNA/RNA).
  • Immunoassays: Experience with ELISA and/or Western Blotting for protein detection and quantification.
  • Data Analysis: Ability to use software like Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism for data processing and visualization.
  • Laboratory Safety: Strong understanding and practical application of BSL-2 (Biosafety Level 2) or higher containment practices.
  • Microscopy: Experience with light and fluorescence microscopy for cell visualization and analysis.
  • Solution Preparation: Skill in accurately calculating concentrations and preparing complex buffers and media.
  • Laboratory Documentation: Proficiency in maintaining detailed and accurate records, preferably using an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).
  • Flow Cytometry: Basic knowledge of flow cytometry principles and operation is a significant plus.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in executing experiments and recording data.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot experimental issues and think critically about results.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and experiments concurrently.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative and communicative team player who works well with others.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to adapt to changing project priorities and new scientific techniques.
  • Written & Verbal Communication: Ability to clearly communicate scientific concepts and results to a technical audience.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in a relevant scientific discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) degree in a relevant scientific discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Virology
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of relevant, hands-on experience in a biological research laboratory setting (academic or industry).

Preferred:

  • Prior experience working directly with viruses in a BSL-2 environment. Industry or post-graduate academic research experience is highly desirable.
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