Research Technician 3

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.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400039 Environmental Medicine

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 106 H

Compensation Range:

$21.78 - $30.53

Responsibilities:

The laboratory’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms and treatments of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis. Performs research laboratory assignments involving some variety in accordance with standard practices and procedures. The candidate will be responsible for maintaining the colonies of transgenic and knockout mouse, breeding of mice, record-keeping, animal protocols submissions/modifications, working closely with Vivarium and DLAM staff, cigarette smoke inhalation exposure to mice, carrying out the laboratory experiments in vitro cell culture and in vivo (cigarette smoke, e-cigarette and waterpipe/hookah exposure to mice and procedures) and assisting several technicians and fellows in the laboratory, in addition to managing all aspects of animal protocols and laboratory work from data generation to data analysis. Responsibilities include placing orders for animals and lab supplies, scheduled maintenance for lab instruments, oversight and routine biochemical and molecular biological assays. Responsibilities will also include: engaging in experimental design and independent execution of above methods/protocols/assays; overseeing general laboratory functions such as inventory and ordering of supplies; and training of new laboratory personnel in fundamental lab techniques. Work with students and fellows/coordinators on basic and clinical research projects in collecting biological samples and perform experiments and assays (cell biology, biochemical and molecular biology techniques) in cells and biological tissues. Execution of experiments will require proficiency in cell and molecular biology techniques including, but not limited to: RNA isolation, quantitative PCR, DNA cloning and expression, as well as cell culture, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Plans and conducts standardized technical procedures and lab experiments. Keep track of Institutional Biosafety Committee approvals, EH&S, IRB/RSRB and DLAM training and annual updates for laboratory personnel and compliance. Co-ordination of clinical studies with clinical research center and the lab, assist in subjects recruitment and collection of biological samples. Weekend work will be required at times, based upon experimental schedules. Interest in and willingness to learn new techniques are essential job components. This position is ideal for a motivated and independent research personnel who is keen to learn new techniques/research and involve in scientific publications.

Overall, it is anticipated that the technical III will be able to independently coordinate several projects simultaneously, oversee laboratory protocols/experiments, as well as train new laboratory members, including students, postdoctoral fellows and other technicians on laboratory SOPs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lab Techniques to be performed: Western blotting, immunostaining, lung function measurements experiments, ELISA, Northern blotting, ribonuclease protection assays, tissue section staining, Diff-Quick staining, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization. RNA isolation and DNA isolation, ChIP assay, EMSA (gel shift assay), RT-PCR, restriction enzyme digests, plasmid purification and extraction, analyzing results and record keeping. Perform new experiments and assays in cells and tissues. Assist and train undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to learn and perform assays, routine techniques/methods, and procedures for their experiments. Works independently with only occasional suggestions to modify, vary or adapt standard laboratory procedures to perform research-related activities to meet the specialized needs of the research projects of the Principal Investigator.
• Duties include maintaining 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 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. Maintaining UCAR paperwork/protocols, ordering new rodents, check animals daily, oversight of DLAM for their maintenance of one animal room. Keep track of various training and annual updates for all laboratory personnel so that the labs are in compliance with these offices. Ensure all other laboratory personnel are up-to-date on required laboratory and animal usage training.  Coordinating of clinical studies with clinical research center and the lab, assist in subjects recruitment and collection of biological samples. Pick up samples from Clinical Research Labs and process for analyses.
• Orders equipment and laboratory supplies, sets up experiments, cleans and performs routine maintenance on equipment. Duties will include filing of order forms, keeping schedule for equipment maintenance, maintenance of computer records for lab and equipment, maintenance of chemical inventory, autoclave items, interact 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. Set-up and operates equipment or instrumentation. Oversee and maintain laboratory.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and inventories (chemicals, animals and equipment).  Serve in a managerial role to maintain laboratory inventory and address needs for instrument repair.
• Plans and oversees non-survival specimen collections from rodents.  The technical associate will be required to independently utilize UCAR-approved and scientifically appropriate euthanasia methods followed by tissue collection. Supervises and trains other members of the laboratory, including junior technical staff, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, undergraduates and work-study personnel.  Monitors performance of trainees and subordinates, and addresses performance issues as they arise.  
• Interacts with nurses on clinical research projects in collecting biological fluids, obtaining spirometry measurements, and maintaining all paperwork per IRB standards. Recruits and schedules human study participants. Measures biomarkers and assumes responsibility for the treatment of samples/cells for experiments. 
• Collaborate with other personnel within the laboratory and investigators from other laboratories.
• Designs protocols and oversees processing and analysis of collected specimens for immunohistological, biochemical, and molecular techniques including microscopy analysis, immunohistochemistry, histological analysis, Western blotting, ELISA, and other techniques.  The technical associate will also be responsible for training other laboratory members (e.g., technical staff, undergraduate, and graduate students, etc.) on these techniques. 
• Participate in lab meetings and seminars. Assist the Principal Investigator with preparing figures, data sets and written text for grants and publications. Serve as liaison of laboratory to Departmental and University administration.
• Analyzes and interprets acquired data, including appropriate statistical analyses; prepares data summary reports, including tables and figures and makes recommendations for future studies (5%).  Include federal and non-federal funding agencies, protocols, assays, and bioinformatics.
• Assists Principal Investigator with writing grants and manuscripts for publication, including reading and interpreting primary scientific literature and preparing written summaries of this material (5%).  Strict adherence to written SOPs is required; as is detailed, daily record keeping.
• Plans and coordinates experimental timelines including scheduling other technical staff, students and post-docs to complete experimental tasks.
• Develops and optimizes new laboratory techniques including writing laboratory SOPs and training other laboratory personnel on such SOPs.  Performs scientific literature searches and utilizes such literature to develop SOPs and advises the principal investigator on appropriate technical approaches.
• Other projects and job duties as assigned and as needs arise.
• Oversees the operation of gel doc, RT-PCR, flow cytometer, nanodrop, spectrophotometric plate reader, light and fluorescent microscope, and Western blotting equipment; addresses needs for instrument repair and maintenance. Keeps track of Institutional Biosafety Committee approvals, Radiation Safety, Control substance logs, EH&S, and DCM training and annual updates for all laboratory personnel so that the lab is in compliance with these offices. Ensures all other laboratory personnel are up-to-date on required annual laboratory and animal usage training.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED and 5 years experience with performing basic sampling, monitoring or research activities; compiling and collecting data and preparing reports required
• Associate's degree in Health Science, Biology, Chemistry or other science related field of study preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in animal (mouse) work and cell culture work with handling multi-tasks. Experience in routine biochemical and molecular biological techniques, and practical laboratory and animal experience are desirable

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements and scientific methods required
• Experiential knowledge of the workings of an academic research laboratory, including general knowledge of biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology methods. Microscopy skills are beneficial
• Prior experience in handling research animals, tissue culture, molecular and cell biology methodology and/or knowledge of immunologically-based techniques are desired
• 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 preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication preferred
• Must be willing to work with human biological samples, handling animals (mice) and animal tissues preferred
• Good organizational skills, ability to use good judgment, and demonstrate attention to detail are necessary preferred
• Prior experience working with human biological samples preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.