Research Technician II

University of Rochester•City of Rochester, NY

5d•$20 - $28

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. The laboratory’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms and treatments of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema, lung cancer, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis. The position will also be responsible for carrying out the laboratory experiments in vitro cell culture and in vivo (cigarette smoke, flavoring chemicals, e-cigarette and waterpipe/hookah exposure to mice and procedures); assisting several technicians and postdoctoral fellows in the laboratory; and managing all aspects of animal protocols and laboratory work from data generation to data analysis. The execution of experiments will require proficiency in cell and molecular biology techniques.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Associate’s degree in Health Science, Biology, Chemistry, or other science related field of science preferred
1 year experience performing basic sampling, monitoring or research activities, compiling and collecting data and preparing reports; or equivalent combination of education and experience required
Experience in animal (mouse) work and cell culture work with handling multi-tasks.
Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements and scientific methods required
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication required
Must be willing to work with human biological samples, handling animals (mice) and animal tissues required
Good organizational skills, ability to use good judgement, and demonstrate attention to detail are necessary required
Experiential knowledge of the workings of an academic research laboratory, including general knowledge of biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology methods.
Ability to work independently and the capacity to design, organize, and analyze experimental data that serves as an invaluable tool in the publication of papers in scientific journals and obtaining future funding required

Nice To Haves

Experience in routine biochemical and molecular biological techniques, and practical laboratory and animal experience preferred
Microscopy skills are beneficial preferred
Prior experience in handling research animals, tissue culture, molecular and cell biology methodology and/or knowledge of immunologically-based techniques preferred
Prior experience working with human biological samples preferred.

Responsibilities

Plans and conducts standardized technical procedures and lab experiments. Techniques to be performed: Western blotting, immunostaining, lung function measurements experiments, ELISA, tissue section staining, Diff-Quick staining, immunohistochemistry, RNA isolation and DNA isolation, RT-PCR, and analyzing results and record keeping.
Performs new experiments and assays in cells and tissues. Engages in experimental design and independent execution of above methods/protocols/assays.
Assists and trains undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to learn and perform assays, routine techniques/methods, and procedures for their experiments. Trains new laboratory personnel in fundamental lab techniques.
Works with students and fellows/coordinators on basic and clinical research projects in collecting biological samples and performs experiments and assays (cell biology, biochemical and molecular biology techniques) in cells and biological tissues.
Maintains the colonies of transgenic and knockout mice; breeding of mice, record-keeping, animal protocols submissions/modifications, working closely with Vivarium and DLAM staffs, cigarette smoke inhalation exposure to mice and carrying out the laboratory experiments in vitro and in vivo (cigarette smoke and e-cigarette aerosol exposure to mice) exposing cigarette smoke to mice, preparing cigarette smoke extracts. Animal Care: animal cigarette smoke exposures and inhalation (oral, s.c., i.m., i.v., or i.p.), lung and heart removal, dissection and tissue preparation.
Maintains UCAR paperwork/protocols, orders new rodents, checks animals daily, oversight of DLAM for their maintenance of one animal room. Keeps track of various training and annual updates for all laboratory personnel so that the labs are in compliance with these offices. Ensures all other laboratory personnel are up-to-date on required laboratory and animal usage training.
Keeps track of Institutional Biosafety Committee approvals, EH&S, and DLAM/UCAR training and annual updates for laboratory personnel and compliance.
Coordinates clinical studies with clinical research center and the lab, assists in subjects recruitment and collection of biological samples.
Orders equipment and laboratory supplies, sets up experiments, cleans and performs routine maintenance on equipment. Places orders for animals and lab supplies, schedules maintenance for lab instruments, oversight and routine biochemical and molecular biological assays. Files order forms, keeps schedule for equipment maintenance, maintenance of computer records for lab and equipment, maintenance of chemical inventory and autoclave items, interacts with sales representatives, some cleaning and storing of glassware, oversight and record keeping for hazardous waste disposal.
Plans and conducts standardized technical procedures and lab experiments. Sets up and operates equipment or instrumentation. Oversees and maintains laboratory. Serves as liaison of laboratory to Departmental and University administration. Maintains laboratory supplies and inventories (chemicals, animals and equipment). Manages and maintains laboratory inventory and address needs for instrument repair.
Participate in lab meetings and seminars. Assist the Principal Investigator with preparing figures, data sets and written text for grants and publications.
Other projects and job duties as assigned and as needs arise.