Research Technician III- Mendes Lab

University of Rochester•Rochester, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mendes lab in the University of Rochester’s Department of Neuroscience studies communication between astrocytes and neurons across brain states, behavior, and disease. The Research Technician III plays a key role in the laboratory’s day-to-day research and operations, conducting complex experiments, troubleshooting technical challenges, and contributing to the design, implementation, and optimization of research projects. The position provides technical expertise and operational leadership, establishes consistent experimental practices, and trains and mentors laboratory personnel in research techniques, equipment use, and laboratory procedures. Under the direction of Dr. Mendes, the technician also helps develop specialized experimental approaches, coordinate laboratory operations, support compliance, and steward laboratory resources. The role includes independently managing transgenic and knockout mouse colonies, including breeding, records, and preparation or modification of animal research protocols in coordination with Vivarium and DLAM staff. The technician orders animals and supplies, coordinates instrument maintenance, oversees routine biochemical and molecular biology assays, and manages inventory and general lab functions. The position collaborates with students and postdoctoral fellows on research using cells and biological tissues and performs cell biology, biochemical, and molecular techniques. It also involves maintaining research and colony records, coordinating laboratory compliance requirements and personnel training renewals, analyzing and organizing data, and preparing data tables and figures for research papers and presentations. The technician provides technical oversight and training to lower-level technicians and students, and may contribute to procedures, policies, equipment selection, and laboratory budgeting.

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.
Experience with animal (mouse) work and cell culture work.
Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements and scientific methods.
Experiential knowledge of an academic research laboratory, including general knowledge of biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology methods.
Proficiency in cell and molecular biology techniques, including RNA isolation, quantitative PCR, DNA cloning and expression, cell culture, SDS-PAGE, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Neuroscience, Health Science, Biology, Chemistry, or another science-related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in routine biochemical and molecular biological techniques and practical laboratory and animal experience.
Microscopy skills.
Ability to work independently and 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.

Responsibilities

Independently manage transgenic and knockout mouse colonies, including breeding, record-keeping, and preparation or modification of animal research protocols.
Coordinate with Vivarium and DLAM staff and order animals and laboratory supplies.
Coordinate laboratory instrument maintenance and oversee routine biochemical and molecular biological assays.
Contribute to experimental design and independently conduct, troubleshoot, and optimize research methods, protocols, and assays.
Oversee general laboratory functions, including inventory management and supply ordering.
Train new personnel in fundamental laboratory techniques, equipment use, and laboratory procedures; provide technical oversight and coordinate training and performance of lower-level technicians and students.
Collaborate with undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows on experiments using cells and biological tissues.
Plan and conduct standardized technical procedures and laboratory experiments, and maintain accurate research and colony records.
Coordinate laboratory compliance requirements, including Institutional Biosafety Committee approvals and EH&S and DLAM training and annual renewals for laboratory personnel.
Apply research techniques and literature knowledge to experimental questions; participate in selecting and designing tasks to address scientific questions.
Analyze, interpret, and organize data; conduct tests and statistical analyses using statistical software; and make recommendations.
Produce data tables and figures for research papers and presentations, and review draft material for content, organization, clarity, grammar, and style.
Inspect completed work and ensure quality and compliance with standards and specifications.
Work with the Principal Investigator and research staff to modify or develop procedures and policies; keep current with relevant standards and best practices.
Attend and participate in weekly laboratory meetings and, as appropriate, institutes and seminars.
Perform other duties as assigned.