Senior Laboratory Technician

The Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Division of the DOM is hiring for a Senior Laboratory Technician. The division is led by division chief Alison Morris, MD and Executive Administrator Emily Joseph. The division is made of up approximately 70 clinical staff and over 100 research staff who work in a variety of locations including: Bridgeside Point, Biomedical Science Tower (BST), UPMC Hospitals including Presbyterian, Shadyside, East, Jameson and Mercy.  The division provides world class services across 10 inpatient services at five hospitals and over 70,000 outpatient office visits. We have a major research mission that focuses on basic, clinical, and translational research on the lung, microbiome, COVID-19, sleep medicine, and allergy and immunology.

The Division of Pulmonary within the Department of Medicine is seeking a Senior Laboratory Technician who will execute in vitro and in vivo lung injury and pneumonia murine and human models. They will perform detailed in vitro work using cell and tissue culture-based models including transfection, treatment, and maintenance of cell lines and primary cells; will perform immunology, cellular and molecular biology techniques using in vitro and in vivo models of bacterial infection which includes advanced imaging modalities (flow cytometry and confocal microscopy); Will work independently on experiments as determined by the Principal Investigator and be able to analyze data and troubleshoot issues; Will be collaborative with trainees and colleagues within the laboratory group; Will provide support for grant and manuscript preparation and writing.

Performs a variety of independent laboratory work and experiments such as determining experimental protocols and preparation of specimens and cultures. Prepares reports of findings subsequent to compilation and analyzation. Oversees specimen inventory. Develops documentation for publication; crafts manuscripts and grant proposals.

Essential Functions 

1) Wet bench responsibilities to include but not limited to ELISA assays; tissue harvesting and homogenate preparation; CFU counts from in vivo infection models; tissue slide preparation, sterile cell and tissue culture; DNA, RNA, and protein extraction and analysis; Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence studies (65%)
2) Execution of experiments and management of mouse models of bacterial infection (20%)
3) Administrative duties related to ordering reagents and consumables for the lab, laboratory inventory management, laboratory maintenance, and ensuring compliance with IACUC, IBC, and EHS regulations (15%)
4) Must have impeccable and timely record keeping skills which are required for experiment protocols and data generation for publications and grants
5) Will effectively communicate with and supervise laboratory members and collaborators to ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards and experiment protocols.

Physical effort requirements include ability to work at a laboratory bench for 8 hours a day for the full work week and standing for 1-2 hours for vivarium duties at least 3 times a week.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.