Laboratory Research Technician

The Leukemia and Drug Development Lab (LDDL-P) at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Assistant to join a dynamic laboratory focused on developing next‑generation cellular therapies for hematologic malignancies. The successful candidate will support preclinical studies involving engineered immune cells, including NK‑ and T‑cell platforms, and will perform a broad range of advanced technical duties such as cell culture, multi‑parameter flow cytometry, molecular assays, and maintenance of primary cell‑based models.

The Research Assistant will work closely with investigators, trainees, and clinical research partners to ensure smooth laboratory operations, generate high‑quality experimental data, and support ongoing therapeutic development programs within the Hillman cellular therapy research ecosystem. The LDDL-P is in the Assembly building. We are a diverse team focused on studying the etiology, pathogenesis, treatment, and cure of hematological malignancies.

Performs a variety of laboratory experiments and procedures. Prepares specimens. Oversees supply management. Operates and properly maintains equipment.

Essential Functions 

•    Contribute to collective team effort.
•    Document and organize research results and data according to NIH’s preferred good laboratory management practices (LabArchives).
•    Make independent contributions to projects and studies based on evidence-based literature. 
•    Independently work on projects and troubleshoot problems. 
•    Perform statistical and graphical analysis of data, interpretation of data and validity of testing. 
•    Maintain timely project goals, deadlines, and studies for contributions to publications and grant funding applications. 
•    Analyze and communicate results and data analysis from high throughput sequencing platforms. 
•    Molecular biology techniques desired:
o    Sterile cell culture techniques
o    Tissue culture and related wet lab techniques (i.e. western blotting, functional assays).
o    Isolation of NK and T-cells from blood
o    Optimize and perform in vitro immune assays
o    Flow cytometry
o    DNA isolation and cloning technique including PCR
o    Gene editing of cell lines and primary cells with CRISPR-Cas9 electroporation or viral transduction
o    Some animal handling

Moderate physical effort required. May be required to stand/move for several hours at a time. May be required to move objects up to 50 pounds with or without assistance of equipment.