Research Technician

UNC-Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

10h

About The Position

The Research Technician will have the opportunity to join a cutting-edge research laboratory in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonology under the supervision of Dr. Maimoona Zariwala. The PCD Genetics Lab is dedicated to elucidating the molecular underpinning and mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on Primary Ciliary Dykinesia, Idiopathic Bronchiectasis, Inborn Errors of Immunity and other rare diseases of mucociliary clearance. The Research Technician will manage the daily operations of the lab in the overview of genetic research work in rare diseases. Perform molecular biology techniques, laboratory procedures, DNA extraction from various tissue sources, polymerase chain reactions ( PCR ), DNA sequencing and analysis, gel electrophroesis, primer design, and restriction enzyme digestion for patients and participants enrolled in multiple research studies. Organization and oversight of research specimen processing and collaboration with commercial entities to perform genotyping on research subjects’ samples in addition to in-house laboratory experiments and with high accuracy. The tests may need modification, alteration, or optimization to generate successful results and obtain a proper high quality gel image, as well as clear, readable Sanger DNA sequencing. Sharing of results, summaries, and analysis of the data with direct lab and others in the larger pulmonary group, as needed. The research technician will also perform additional specialized techniques including RNA extraction, reverse transcript PCR , fragment purification, hybridization, lymphocyte transformation, whole genome amplification, basic molecular cloning and cell culture, with minimal guidance. The Research Technician also assist with duties related to lab operations including supply management, equipment/fridges/freezer maintenance and calibration, preparation of laboratory materials and reagents, tissue preparation and analysis, shipping and handling of samples and interaction with vendors as pertinent. Additionally, they will be responsible for maintenance of tissue and specimen procurement logs, laboratory databases, maintenance and reporting of data obtained in ongoing experiments, and maintenance of the lab in line with all safety and regulatory requirements. The Research Technician may have some supervisory responsibilities overseeing and training technicians, undergraduate students and Research Fellows in the lab. Work Schedule Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm, with some evenings and weekends as needed

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the lab in the overview of genetic research work in rare diseases.
• Perform molecular biology techniques, laboratory procedures, DNA extraction from various tissue sources, polymerase chain reactions ( PCR ), DNA sequencing and analysis, gel electrophroesis, primer design, and restriction enzyme digestion for patients and participants enrolled in multiple research studies.
• Organization and oversight of research specimen processing and collaboration with commercial entities to perform genotyping on research subjects’ samples in addition to in-house laboratory experiments and with high accuracy.
• Sharing of results, summaries, and analysis of the data with direct lab and others in the larger pulmonary group, as needed.
• Perform additional specialized techniques including RNA extraction, reverse transcript PCR , fragment purification, hybridization, lymphocyte transformation, whole genome amplification, basic molecular cloning and cell culture, with minimal guidance.
• Assist with duties related to lab operations including supply management, equipment/fridges/freezer maintenance and calibration, preparation of laboratory materials and reagents, tissue preparation and analysis, shipping and handling of samples and interaction with vendors as pertinent.
• Responsible for maintenance of tissue and specimen procurement logs, laboratory databases, maintenance and reporting of data obtained in ongoing experiments, and maintenance of the lab in line with all safety and regulatory requirements.
• May have some supervisory responsibilities overseeing and training technicians, undergraduate students and Research Fellows in the lab.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed