Research.

Wet Lab Techniques

• Chromatography Techniques: Using assorted methods for protein isolation (see Chromatography and Distillation)

• Nucleic Acid Isolation and Purification: Using commercial kits and traditional methods to obtain DNA and RNA from various sources and prepare samples for research use

• 2D–PAGE (Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis): Two-dimensional separation and analysis of nucleic acids and proteins by size and charge

• SDS-PAGE: Separating proteins based on their size and charge by using a polyacrylamide gel following denaturation with sodium dodecyl sulfate

• qPCR Assay: Detecting and measuring the amount of a specific nucleic acid sequence in a sample to quantify gene expression levels in cells or detect genetic mutations

• Western Blotting: Protein detection and analysis technique using antibodies to probe for specific proteins on a membrane after separation by gel electrophoresis

• Northern Blotting: RNA detection and analysis technique using labeled, complementary RNA-probes to identify specific sequences on a membrane after separation by gel electrophoresis

• Southern Blotting: DNA detection and analysis technique using labeled, complementary DNA-probes to identify specific sequences on a membrane after separation by gel electrophoresis

• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Detection and quantification of specific proteins or antibodies

• Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) Assay: Studying protein-protein interactions and conformational changes within proteins by measuring energy transfer between fluorescent molecules

Dry Lab Techniques

• Analysis of Protein Properties: Utilizing separation techniques and western blotting to infer characteristics such as size, charge density, and conformation

• Analysis of Nucleic Acid Properties: Utilizing separation techniques such as gel electrophoresis and hybridization to infer characteristics such as size, sequence, and abundance.

Wet Lab Skills:

• DNA and RNA Extraction and Purification: Extraction and purification of nucleic acids from various sources for sequencing, PCR, or other downstream applications

• Library Preparation: Preparation of genomic or transcriptomic libraries for sequencing using various library preparation methods, such as PCR amplification, ligation-based methods, and tagmentation

• Sequencing: Use of commercial or industry-standard sequencing technologies to sequence DNA and RNA

• Sequence Alignment: Alignment of DNA or RNA sequencing reads to a reference genome or transcriptome to identify variants and determine expression levels

• Variant Calling: Identification of variants, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (indels), using sequencing data and bioinformatics tools

Dry Lab Skills:

• Data Management: Handling and organizing large volumes of sequencing data, including storage, backup, and retrieval

• Bioinformatics Tools: Knowledge and proficiency in using various bioinformatics tools and software packages for sequence analysis

• Quality Control: Using various metrics, such as sequencing depth, read quality, and alignment statistics to assess quality control of sequencing data results

• Phylogenetic Analysis: Determining of evolutionary relationships between different organisms or populations based on DNA or RNA sequences using various phylogenetic methods

• Annotation: Annotation of genomic features, such as gene models and regulatory elements, using bioinformatics tools and databases

• Genomic Data Visualization: Visualization of sequencing data and assembly of genome sequences using common software packages

• Metagenomics: Analysis of microbial communities using genomic data from sequenced samples

• Machine Learning: Knowledge and proficiency in machine learning techniques for bioinformatics data analysis, such as clustering and classification

Wet Lab Techniques:

• Mammalian Cell Cultures: Isolation, preparation, maintenance, and cryopreservation of mammalian cells for research use

• Bacterial Cultures: Growth and maintenance of bacterial cells for research use

• Real-Time Apoptosis Fluorescence Microscopy: Visualization and analysis of apoptosis in mammalian cells using fluorescent probes

• Chemotaxis Assay: Quantitative assessment of directional cell movement in response to chemical gradients

• Flow Cytometry: Separation and analysis of individual cells based on their physical and chemical properties

• Confocal Microscopy: Imaging and analyzing the spatial distribution of proteins and other molecules within cells

• Immunofluorescence Staining: Visualization and localization of specific proteins or antigens in cells or tissues using fluorescent antibodies

• MTT Assay: Colorimetric assay used to measure cell viability, proliferation, and cytotoxicity

Dry Lab Techniques:

• Data Analysis and Statistical Methods for Cell Culture Assays: Analyzing and interpreting data generated from cell-based assays using statistical methods and software.

• Literature Review and Assay Optimization: Reviewing relevant literature and optimizing protocols for cell-based assays

Wet Lab Skills:

• Organic Synthesis and Purification: Executing multistep reactions and utilizing techniques such as column chromatography, recrystallization, and distillation for purification.

• Inorganic Compound Preparation: Precipitation reactions, acid-base titrations, and redox reactions are employed for preparation.

• Physical Property Analysis: Determining melting and boiling points, conductivity, and solubility of inorganic and organic compounds

• Aqueous Solution Analysis: Determining pH, buffer capacity, and acid-base equilibria in aqueous solutions using assorted potentiometry and spectroscopy techniques

Dry Lab Skills:

• Spectroscopy Analysis and Characterization: Using assorted spectroscopy techniques (UV-Vis, IR, NMR) to identify the structure of organic molecules

• Reaction Visualization: Construction and analysis of reaction mechanisms using software such as ChemDraw and MarvinSketch

Spectroscopy Techniques:

• UV-Vis Spectrophotometry: Determining nucleic acid and protein concentrations using absorbance readings

• Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy: Determining chemical bonds in a sample

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy: Analyzing the structure and properties of molecules

• Fluorescence Spectroscopy: Analyzing fluorescent properties of a sample

Chromatography Techniques:

• Column Chromatography: Separation and analysis of compounds using a stationary phase within a column based on retention in the stationary phase

• Gas Chromatography (GC): Separation and analysis of volatile compounds based on boiling point, polarity, and molecular weight

• Reverse-Phase Chromatography: Separation and analysis of molecules based on hydrophobicity

• Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC): Separation and analysis of molecules based on size

• Ion-Exchange Chromatography (IEC): Separation and analysis of molecules based on charge

• Affinity Chromatography: Separation and analysis of molecules based on specific interactions

• Immunoaffinity Chromatography: Separation and analysis of molecules based on specific antibody-antigen interactions

• Paper Chromatography: Separation and analysis of compounds using a paper matrix as the stationary phase

• Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC): Separation and analysis of compounds using a stationary phase on a flat surface.

Distillation Techniques:

• Simple Distillation: Separation of liquids with different boiling points by heating and condensing the vapor.

• Steam Distillation: Separation of volatile organic compounds from non-volatile compounds by passing steam through the mixture

• Fractional Distillation: Separation of liquids with similar boiling points using a fractionating column for multiple distillations

• Vacuum Distillation: Separation of high boiling point or sensitive compounds by lowering the pressure inside the system

Wet Lab Skills:

• Construction of Recombinant Plasmids: Using restriction enzymes and DNA ligase to combine DNA fragments for genetic engineering

• Gel Extraction: Separation and purification of DNA fragments from a gel matrix after electrophoresis

• PCR and qPCR: Amplification and quantification of nucleic acid fragments for further analysis or cloning

• Reverse-Transcription PCR: Amplification of DNA fragments from RNA sequences for gene expression analysis

• Affinity Purification of Recombinant Proteins: Isolation and purification of recombinant proteins using tags or antibodies for further analysis or downstream applications

• Transfection and Gene Expression Assays: Introduction of foreign DNA or RNA into cells and measurement of resulting changes in gene expression for functional analysis or gene therapy

• Bacterial Transformation and Electroporation: Introduction of recombinant plasmids into bacteria using heat shock and electric pulses, respectively, for gene expression

• RNA Interference (RNAi): Down-regulation of gene expression in lower-level organisms using small RNA molecules.

Dry Lab Skills:

• Plasmid Map Analysis: Designing and mapping recombinant plasmids for gene expression or gene editing in cells

• Restriction Enzyme Selection: Analyzing DNA sequences and identify optimal restriction enzymes for specific molecular biology applications, such as cloning or genetic engineering

Wet Lab Techniques:

• Lab Safety: Proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials

• Proper Sterility: Sterile technique for cell and bacterial cultures

Dry Lab Techniques:

• Machine Learning Analysis: Utilizing artificial neural networks and support vector machines for large data analysis and clinical predictions

• Patient Report Data Analysis: Sorting through patient report data en masse, including MRI, EEG, MEG, PET, and SPECT features

• Large Dataset Management: Managing and manipulating large datasets using software such as R, Stata, Python, and MATLAB for data analysis and visualization

• Statistical Model Development: Developing statistical models to analyze experimental data and predict outcomes