Research Technician - Makino Lab

University of Florida • Palm Beach, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Dr. Ayako Makino’s laboratory is seeking a Research Technician to join its translational research team, which specializes in cardiovascular pathophysiology and vascular cell biology. The lab studies pathogenic mechanisms of coronary vascular complications in diabetes and menopause, as well as the pathobiology of pulmonary hypertension.

The position maintains mouse colonies and assesses cardiac and vascular function using echocardiography and/or a Millar catheter. It also involves small-animal handling, molecular biology experiments, cell culture under aseptic conditions, precise record keeping, troubleshooting, data analysis, and coordination with laboratory members to support efficient laboratory operations and high-quality scientific outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to handle small animals, including holding, administering chemicals, and dissecting tissues.
• Basic molecular biology skills, such as PCR, Western blotting (WB), qPCR, and cell culture.
• Precise record-keeping skills.
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques.
• Organizational skills and ability to work collaboratively with other laboratory members.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability to maintain mouse colonies, including checking mice, cleaning cages, mating, weaning, and tailing.
• Demonstrated skills in animal experiments, including chemical administration and assessment of cardiac and vascular functions using echocardiography.
• Demonstrated skills in precise record keeping.
• Theoretical and working knowledge of molecular biology, including PCR, qPCR, and WB.
• Aseptic techniques for cell culture.
• Ability to conduct data analysis and interpret results, and to troubleshoot.
• Effective time-management skills to plan and organize work assignments efficiently and productively.
• Ability to work as a team member and coordinate with others to maintain laboratory functionality.
• Knowledge of GraphPad, EndNote, and Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research.
• Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mouse colonies through weekly checks, cage cleaning, weaning, mating, and tailing for genotyping.
• Perform molecular biology experiments, including PCR for genotyping, qPCR, and Western blotting (WB), and culture cells under aseptic conditions.
• Conduct animal experiments, including chemical administration and assessment of cardiac and vascular functions using echocardiography and/or a Millar catheter.
• Coordinate with investigators on laboratory research and maintain laboratory equipment and reagents.
• Manage laboratory research records, including methodological approaches and animal protocols.
• Acquire and analyze data.
• Troubleshoot technical issues.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time