Research Technician III- Mendes Lab

University of Rochester•Rochester, NY

4d•$22 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

The Mendes Lab in the Department of Neuroscience studies communication between astrocytes and neurons across brain states, behavior, and disease. The Research Technician III supports day-to-day research and laboratory operations by conducting complex experiments, troubleshooting technical challenges, and contributing to the design, implementation, and optimization of research projects. Under the direction of Dr. Mendes, the position provides technical expertise and operational leadership, establishes consistent experimental practices, trains and mentors laboratory personnel, develops specialized experimental approaches, coordinates lab operations, and helps ensure institutional compliance and responsible use of laboratory resources. The role includes managing transgenic and knockout mouse colonies; conducting cell and tissue experiments; carrying out cell biology, biochemical, and molecular techniques; coordinating laboratory supplies and instrument maintenance; and maintaining accurate research and colony records. The technician also supports research staff and students, oversees laboratory functions and lower-level technicians, analyzes and presents research data, and coordinates training and compliance activities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and five years of experience performing basic sampling, monitoring, or research activities; compiling and collecting data; and preparing reports, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements and scientific methods.
Experiential knowledge of academic research laboratories and general knowledge of biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology methods.
Proficiency in RNA isolation, quantitative PCR, DNA cloning and expression, cell culture, SDS-PAGE, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.
Ability to work independently.
Experience with mouse work and cell culture, and routine biochemical and molecular biology techniques.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in Neuroscience, Health Science, Biology, Chemistry, or another science-related field.
Microscopy skills.
Ability to design, organize, and analyze experimental data that supports scientific publications and future funding.
Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
Good organizational skills, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
Practical laboratory and animal experience.

Responsibilities

Independently manage transgenic and knockout mouse colonies, including breeding, record-keeping, and preparing or modifying animal research protocols in coordination with Vivarium and DLAM staff.
Order animals and laboratory supplies, manage inventory, and coordinate laboratory instrument maintenance.
Oversee routine biochemical and molecular biology assays.
Contribute to experimental design and independently execute, troubleshoot, and optimize research methods, protocols, and assays.
Conduct experiments involving cells and biological tissues using cell biology, biochemical, and molecular techniques.
Train and mentor laboratory personnel, new staff, students, and lower-level technicians in laboratory techniques, equipment use, and procedures.
Plan and conduct standardized technical procedures and laboratory experiments independently.
Maintain accurate research and colony records and coordinate laboratory compliance, including Institutional Biosafety Committee approvals and EH&S and DLAM training and annual renewals.
Review literature, apply acquired knowledge to experimental questions, and participate in selecting and designing tasks to address scientific questions.
Organize and manage data; perform moderate to complex data analysis, calculations, tests, and statistical analyses using statistical software; interpret results and make recommendations.
Produce data tables and figures for research papers and presentations and review draft materials for content, organization, clarity, grammar, and style.
Provide technical oversight to lower-level research technicians and coordinate their training and performance.
Inspect completed work and ensure quality and compliance with standards and specifications; determine needs and develop specifications, and select vendors and equipment for testing.
Serve as a departmental resource for questions about testing, sampling, and monitoring methods; review and revise procedures and policies in line with research best practices.
Work with the Principal Investigator and research staff to modify or develop procedures and policies.
Keep current with industry standards and best practices, and participate in weekly lab meetings and relevant institutes and seminars.
Other duties as assigned.